The two opposed birds holding garlands in their beaks are a common motif in the art of ancient Persia, probably related ultimately to the Senmurv, the mythical all-seeing, all-knowing bird of ancient Zoroastrianism. But the motif resurfaces in various guises in art throughout Asia, from Georgia through to China. The pearl roundels too, are a common motif in the Sasanian art of Persia, used to frame a figure or design, and are particularly popular on fabric designs: embroideries, silks or even paintings of cloth in art. Again, although originally Sasanian, it can be found right across Asia.

This logo seems a very appropriate one to associate with Eastern Approaches.Our very first tour - and many since - was to Iran, so a Persian art motif reflects this. The design itself is based on a Buddhist object from Kucha in China, and we have now visited Kucha four times on tours, while Buddhist art has been a theme on a number of tours in the past, including visits to Pakistan and to Northern China. We don't claim to be all-seeing and all-knowing, but we have certainly become more wide-ranging in recent years, expanding our tours into the Caucasus, Central Asia and Northern Africa. The two birds in our logo very appropriately both face each other and look outwards. Eastern Approaches will continue to return to old haunts and look outwards to explore new possibilities.