Two Magpies on Willow and Peach Trees, 1774, Yosa Buson, Japanese, 1716 - 1783, 50 11/16 ¡Ñ 27 9/16 in. (128.75 ¡Ñ 70.01 cm) (image), Ink and color on silk, Japan, 18th century, In China, willows and peach trees are likened to a pair of lovers, and here their branches are intertwined. A pair of magpies, known to bring wealth and have divine power, sit in the trees with the female above seeming to look down critically at her partner¡¦s singing.