Indian Tree of Life

This bronze tree is a unique example of a Tree of Life representing all the life-giving forces of the universe. The tree's overall shape is that of the banyan tree, a symbol of male, spiritual, ethereal elements of life. The stem, with its rhizomes, is that of a lotus, representing the female, fertile, earthly, watery aspects. The two combined thus betoken the whole of creation. 'Indian Tree of Life', ca. 1575-1625.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art