Ginkgo leaf field ceramic tile

Ginkgo Biloba leaf is an image of an ancient living fossil tree also known as the maidenhair tree. The leaves have a characteristic unusual fan shape and are bi-lobed. The tree was native to China but now is a favorite ornamental tree worldwide. In western Art it became popular with the Art Nouveau movement of the late nineteen century. It is also used in traditional medicine, especially for enhancing memory, concentration, inner wellbeing and a restored Mojo. Some consider it a tree of life and a symbol of longevity and strong immunity. It is believed by some to keep dementia at bay. It is one of the symbols of the green movement and of living healthily. In Japan ginkgo appeared as a motif on various objects and their version of heraldry from the Middle Ages Today it is the prefectural tree of the city of Osaka