Tulips cloisonne the sweetly perfumed Lily of

the sweetly perfumed Lily of the Valley blooms at the peak of spring — an ideal gift for those born in May

since they produce flowers and blossoms at the same time

and fold them over its yellow centre at night

yet short and finite

as depicted in this botanically accurate design

Tulips cloisonne the sweetly perfumed Lily ofNotice the windmill in the background of this image a hint at the prominence of tulips in Dutch culture. Tulips are widely beloved, but perhaps never more so than in the Dutch Golden Age. In this period, nicknamed tulip mania, a single bulb could sell for ten times the annual income of a craftsman. In this tranquil scene, cheerful yellow tulips are brushed with wisps of red against a vivid blue sky.