Frankincense (Boswellia papyrifera) GREO Prints

Graphical Representation of Essential Oil Paintings.  

 This painting reflects the cultural and spiritual landscape of the regions where Boswellia papyrifera grows—primarily Ethiopia and Sudan. At the heart of the composition is an Aksumite cross and a crescent with star, symbolizing the two predominant faiths that share this land: Christianity and Islam. Behind these, a parchment-toned base recalls the meaning of the species’ Latin name—papyrifera, “paper-bearing”—while a scroll motif further evokes the ancient practice of writing on parchment. A field of soft blue rises behind the symbols, representing the sky that unites all people beneath it, regardless of faith. 

Finally, seven deliberate slashes—a motif threaded through this entire series—mark the ritual wounding of the tree’s bark to release its sacred resin. Here, the number seven carries the resonance of completion and spiritual wholeness, offering a sense of culmination both to this painting and the series as a whole.

These are prints of Frankincense (Boswellia papyrifera) GREO.  Representing the top 4-5 main constituents in the essential oil.  The painting was done on canvas in egg tempera.  The artist, Lucas Anderson, makes each paint himself, adds a couple drops of the essential oil into the paint to capture the energetics of the oil in the painting.  

Each print comes with a couple drops of the oil for a multi sensory experience.

This GREO was produced in collaboration with the Airmid Institute.  50% of the proceeds will be donated to the Airmid Institute for use in setting up educational programs to strengthen the Frankincense supply chain.