"The Dance of the Cranes in the Shade of the Maple" – Botanical Garden, Montréal, Québec

This sculpted brick mural depicts Chinese cranes that have crossed the ocean to dance in the shade of the maples in Canada.

The Chinese art of brick sculpting dates back some 2,000 years. Bricks carved with patterns in relief were used for decorative purposes on the exterior of old houses, the mansions of officials and of the rich, as well as shrines and temples. They are also found on entrance gates, windows and screen walls in houses which once belonged to wealthy merchants and the landed gentry, "to bring honour to the owners and their ancestors."

Traditionally, the carvings might cover a wide range of subjects. Most depict human figures drawn from popular legends, dramas and folklore. The representations are lifelike and spirited. Animals and plants are also favourite subjects, mostly those portending power and good luck or representing certain lofty qualities. Examples would be the dragon, phoenix, plum, bamboo, or crysanthemums. Apart from the sculpted pictures, the bricks also show inscriptions and seal marks.