Frankincense (Boswellia rivae) by Lucas Anderson
Buy Prints Online
Paper prints and canvas prints of this painting of various sizes are available through Lucas Anderson’s website.
About the Painting
Each painting in the series is created on canvas using hand-mixed egg tempera, made with carefully selected pigments. A “primary” colour is chosen for each piece—used to depict the chemical structure—and infused with a small amount of the corresponding essential oil to capture its unique energetic quality.
Support Conservation
To support the sustainability of the Boswellia species supply chain, Essential Oil Art will donate 50% of the profits from the sale of prints featuring the nine species of frankincense paintings to Airmid.
This donation serves as a gesture of gratitude to Airmid for covering the cost of supplies for these artworks, reinforcing our shared commitment to the preservation and ethical sourcing of frankincense.
Prime Colour
Green
Artist’s Statement
This painting captures the essence of Boswellia rivae essential oil, a treasure from Ethiopia, through a vibrant and symbolic visual narrative. At the heart of the painting, the name Boswellia rivae is written in blue, representing the “happier tree” that thrives without the need for tapping. The name is whimsically stylized to resemble goofy teeth, a playful nod to its cheerful and sustainable existence. Delicate accents of gold highlight the lettering, emphasizing the precious nature of this resource.
The backdrop features the outline of Ethiopia, paying homage to one of the primary regions where Boswellia rivae grows and is harvested. The painting is filled with the red, yellow, and blue of the Ethiopian flag, grounding the artwork in the cultural and geographical significance of this resource.
Finally, a finely detailed branch from a Boswellia rivae tree emerges from the composition, showcasing the source of this treasured essential oil. Together, these elements form a cohesive and meaningful representation of Boswellia rivae’s vitality, cultural roots, and ecological harmony.
Botanical Information
Boswellia rivae, native to Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya, is locally known as Mirafur and is recognized for its diverse therapeutic properties. Its major chemical constituents include α-pinene, β-pinene, δ-3-carene, and limonene, contributing to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, chondroprotective, gastroprotective, anxiolytic, anti-acetylcholinesterase, immunostimulant, and mucolytic properties.
The essential oil of B. rivae resin has a distinctive fragrance profile characterized as diffusive, sweet-resinous, slightly black peppery, green lemon-like, fresh-coniferous, and balsamic. Unlike actively tapped Boswellia species, B. rivae resin is naturally exuded from the bark making it a more sustainable source of frankincense resin.
It is categorized as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature indicating a stable population. While B. rivae appears occasionally in international trade, it is not as prevalent as B. carteri.
Ensuring ethical sourcing and sustainable collection practices, including providing fair wages for local harvesters and addressing the threat of grazing to this species, is crucial for maintaining its ecological balance. Given its unique chemical composition, therapeutic benefits, and sustainability considerations, B. rivae presents a promising option for aromatherapy, medicinal applications, and responsible trade (Johnson & Ablard, 2020).
Johnson, S. P., & Ablard, K. M. (2020). Frankincense: Tapping into a sustainable future. International Journal of Professional Holistic Aromatherapy, 9(3), 45-56.
