Origami Crane with Ferns

Ira Blount · late 20th-early 21st Century

Ferns, flowers, and flowerpots cover this red paper crane. Outlined in metallic gold are green fronds, white and purple petals, and pink pots patterned with purple, blue, and yellow blossoms. In Japanese folklore, it is believed that folding one thousand cranes can make a wish come true. This tradition encourages viewers to consider what prolific artist Ira Blount (1918-2020) might have wished for when folding this crane. Meditating on the elegant bird also inspires audiences to reflect on their own hopes and desires.