The Orchid Show: Blossoms of Asia

The Orchid Show: Blossoms of Asia This year’s Orchid Show, “Blossoms of Asia,” will combine a dazzling display of living orchids in the Tropical Conservatory with an elegant exhibition of orchid treasures from Selby’s bibliographic and preserved collections in the Museum of Botany and the Arts. The magnificent orchids in the Tropical Conservatory will include Asian specimens from Selby’s living plant collection. The display will reference traditional Japanese garden design and horticultural practices, including ikebana (the art of flower arrangement) and bonsai (the creation of miniaturized trees),

The Museum galleries will feature rare botanical books and prints from the Selby Research Library, coupled with ink paintings and watercolors generously lent
by the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. The mix of works from Europe and Asia will enable comparisons between different styles of illustration, some representational and scientific, others decorative and symbolic. This exhibit will also allow for exploration of the cultural significance of orchids in Asian art,  philosophy, and religion.