Defying gravity, a vibrant orange tree hovers above us. This is the Floating Orange Tree of Jaffa. It appears to float about a foot above the ancient Jaffa street.
This quirky sight is more than just a tree in a pot. It is a statement piece. The Floating Orange Tree was created by Israeli artist Ran Morin in 1993.
Jaffa boasts a history dating back to 1800 BC. It is filled with ancient sites and stories. At first glance, you might think the Floating Orange Tree is another relic. But this gravity-defying sculpture is a contemporary artwork.
After Israel’s war of independence in 1948, much of Old Jaffa lay in ruins. City officials planned to demolish the town and build modern housing. Protests thankfully stopped the project. Instead, the ancient quarter was restored. It was transformed into an artist village.
As you stroll through Jaffa’s narrow alleyways, the Floating Orange Tree surprises you. The oversized pottery vase holds a single orange tree. Metal wires anchor the pot to nearby houses. These wires create the illusion of floating. A hidden drip system irrigates the tree. It even bears fruit from time to time.
Ran Morin, born in Jerusalem, sought to deliver a message. Some say the Floating Orange Tree represents the detachment between humanity and nature. Others believe it reflects Jaffa’s history as a major orange exporter. The Ottomans and British famously labeled these oranges “Jaffa”.
Whatever Morin’s inspiration, the Floating Orange Tree baffles visitors and locals. Morin wanted to emphasize the separation between humans and nature. He saw humans as “creatures that grow in containers.” The tree tries to break free. It pushes out of a crack in the pot into the warm air.
Morin has created similar hanging trees elsewhere. You can find one in the Dan Eilat Hotel lobby. Another maple tree hangs in London’s Regent Park.
The Floating Orange Tree fits perfectly within Jaffa’s ancient streets. It is a reminder of Jaffa’s past and present. It also makes us consider our relationship with the natural world. The Floating Orange Tree stands as a symbol. It is art. It is history. It is nature.