Birches

Characterized by a unique bark, the Birch is slender, slender and elegant. Symbol of femininity for many cultures, it is often associated with the beginning of the life cycle and birth.

With its elegance and distinctive presence, is a tree that has enchanted the human imagination across ages and cultures. The most significant representations associated with birch: 

- Purification and Rebirth: The birch is often seen as a symbol of purification and rebirth. Its white trunk and flaking bark represent the concept of regeneration and the elimination of impurities. In many traditions, birch has been used in purification rituals. 

- Sensitivity and Grace: The delicate appearance and light branches of the birch make it a symbol of sensitivity and grace. This tree is often associated with a simple yet mesmerizing beauty, which draws our attention to the grace in nature. 

- Flexibility  and Adaptability: The flexibility of birch branches makes it a symbol of adaptability. This tree bends but does not break, and this characteristic has often been seen as a life lesson in the ability to adapt to challenges. 

- Connection with Nature: In many Nordic cultures, the birch has been considered a sacred tree and a connection between humans and nature. It was associated with nature deities and used in religious ceremonies. 

The symbolism of color belongs to the Birch: the black streaks alternate with the white streaks in the bark. The dark part of the stem represents the dark-colored past, to be left behind. The white one is the future to open up to, as thin as a sheet of tissue paper. An infinity of opposites occurs in the docile wood of Birch: hot and cold; night and day; black and white come together like two hands clasped in prayer; joy and sadness.

The birch is the tree that symbolizes spring, rebirth, new life. With its shining white trunk, full of eye-like protuberances, this species is able to survive in adverse conditions and colonize new free spaces as a pioneer plant. Birches have an elegant habit. They are grown for their beauty and refinement. They have an important role in the natural environment: they make fresh soil more solid and are therefore used to consolidate landslide areas. 

Stones used: Tremolite, Nefrite, Portoro, Gabbro Cipollino.

Year of composition: 2024

Size: cm 32x50.5

Artist: Leonardo Scarpelli

An original and authentic hand-made artwork created whith the antique technique of Commesso Fiorentino which is unique for Florence.

Commesso Fiorentino was born with Medici family, one of the most important families in Florence, in the second half of 1500.

The research of the stones is made by the mosaicist that must be able to choose from a rich and wide range of shades and veins: for this reason the artists personally search and collect the stones retracing the paths of the Medici researchers.

The processing starts by drawing the subject on adhesive paper, that is then cut into small tamplates that will be attached to the variegated shades of the stones following the visual instinct, the innate gift of the artist and his perfect knowledge of the materials. The shape of the little piece will be cut by hand with a chestnut, cherry or hazelnut wood bow and an iron wire that flows with abrasive powder and water. It creates a very precise and inclined cut to form the essential spaces to accommodate the glue, made by artisans with beeswax and pine tree resin. The different stones are previously glued onto a slate surface which acts as a support during the cutting and filing phase. The various pieces which form the composition are adjusted in shape with diamond files, glued together so that the joints are invisible, flattened and finally polished in order to create a perfect decorative harmony showing the colors of nature in all their radiance.