The quiet Eastern Courtyards of The Forbidden City hold many wonders, among them some trees that look as if they are wearing military garb. The green and brown coloration, and the jigsaw puzzle-like shapes of those color patches are stunning reminders that nature knows how to take care of its own. I moved in to abstract that bark, including none of the tree’s shape or form. The knot at lower left is the only clue I offer.