People throughout the world are familiar with the famous Japanese cherry blossoms. But before the cherry blossoms emerge, another beautiful tree graces the island of Japan. It marks the start of the Spring and symbolizes vitality, hope and renewal. The flower of the humble plum tree is born of the bitter cold of winter and reminds everyone that spring will soon arrive. During my journey I kept noticing the beautiful shape of the plum blossoms… delicate flowers on straight, stick-like stems. They appeared on bowls, fabrics, tiles and in the lovely sweets of the Tea Ceremony. Plum blossoms remind me too of the Japonica flowers when I first lived in London.