1
The
Chrysan t h em u m
P ow e r
of
Life
T
he Chinese have been growing chrysanthemums for over 3,000 years. Early records tout the flowers’ medicinal virtues, claiming they possess the power of life. Perhaps this is why the “Eight Immortals” of Chinese legend favored sipping chrysanthemum wine! During the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), one village in central China was renowned for the longevity of its inhabitants; many reached over 130 years of age. The people attributed this to their drinking water, a stream in which chrysanthemum petals floated down from mountain meadows. To this day in China, chrysanthemum tea and wine are consumed as general tonics and to relieve cold sympoms and headaches. White flowers, considered especially potent, are added to supplements designed to counter high blood pressure, chest pains, and hardening of the arteries. Birthday Celebration, detail showing an Immortal wearing chrysanthemums and holding a jar of the Elixir of Life, Chen Hong Shou, Chinese, 1649
White Chrysanthemum, Hsi ang Sheng-mo, Chinese, 1654
2
The
Ch r ys ant h emu m
Pine, Crane, and Chrysanthemums, all traditional symbols of longevity, Xu Gu, Chinese, 1887
Chrysanthemums and Rock, symbolizing steadfastness and durability, Qian Weicheng, Chinese, (1720-1772)
Most Noble
of
Plants
T
he Chinese have long appreciated the chrysanthemum’s beauty. Originating as a simple yellow wildflower, an array of forms and colors have been cultivated throughout the centuries. Known widely as the “Autumn Flower,” Chinese poets have also called the chrysanthemum “icy body” and “red heart,” because it flourishes when other flowers have long faded. The combination of beauty and strong character earns it the honored title “most noble of plants.” Cultivation of chrysanthemum flowers was once regarded as a highly respected occupation, especially suitable for a retired scholar. Thus, chrysanthemums came to symbolize longevity, gentility, a life of ease and retirement, joviality, and lasting friendship. 3
The
Chrysan t h em u m
F l ow e r i n g
in
J a pa n
T
he chrysanthemum was first brought to Japan from China by visiting Buddhist monks in the 8th century. Japanese myth, however, credits their god Izanagi with the flower’s first appearance. After returning from “The Place of the Black Night,” where he attempted to rescue his dying wife, Izanagi went to a river for purification. As he cast off his necklace before entering the water, it was transformed into the first chrysanthemum. Since its arrival, the Japanese have developed many unique chrysanthemum varieties and are renowned for their annual chrysanthemum festivals. Occupations and Activities of the Ninth Month, chrysanthemum festival, Japanese, mid-18th century
F Japanese imperial chrysanthemum crest, or “kikumon”
Order of the Chrysanthemum medal, instituted by Emperor Muts-Hito, 1876
I mp e r i a l E m b l e m
or centuries, the chrysanthemum has been the emblem of the Japanese emperor, or “mikado.” A simple chrysanthemum variety, with a single row of 16 petals, has long appeared as the Imperial crest on clothing and household items, on armor and weaponry, and on official seals and banners. In time, the term “chrysanthemum throne” came to refer to the Japanese monarchy. The flower also became a symbol of bravery, with the “Order of the Chrysanthemum” being the highest military honor bestowed by the emperor.
Japanese armor, 12th century
4
The
A r r i va l
in
Ch r ys ant h emu m
Europe
T
he first Chinese chrysanthemums arrived in Europe in 1689, but they didn’t gain widespread popularity until the 1840s. At that time, an array of “pompon” varieties—the offspring of small-flowered imports from China—were developed. These were especially loved in France, where they were given this name because of their resemblance to the wool pompons on sailors’ hats. As the century progressed, more varieties arrived from both China and Japan, sparking the formation of European chrysanthemum societies. In the Victorian Language of Flowers, a gift of chrysanthemums means “cheerfulness under adversity.” In parts of Europe, however, these flowers are reserved solely for funeral offerings and memorials for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
Chrysanthemums, Henri Fantin-Latour, French, 1875
C h r i s t m a s M i r a cl e
F
rom the Black Forest of Germany comes a Christmas chrysanthemum legend. One snowy Christmas Eve as a peasant
family sat down to a meager supper, they heard a wailing outside their cottage. Upon opening their door, they found a ragged urchin, blue with cold, crying beside the front step. The child was quickly ushered in, wrapped in warm blankets, and offered some of their simple meal. Miraculously, the blankets then fell away, revealing the boy clothed in shining white with a halo round his head, proclaiming himself the Christ child. The next instant, he vanished. On Christmas morning, the family found two white chrysanthemums where his bare feet had stood in the snow the night before. Christmas flower arrangement with chrysanthemums, Diane Miske, 2010
5
Credits
Barnhart, Richard M. Peach Blossom Spring: Gardens and Flowers in Chinese Painting. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art,1983. White Chrysanthemums
Capon, Edmund and Mae Anna Pang. Chinese Paintings of the Ming and Qing Dynasties: XIV-XXth Centuries, exhibition catalog. International Cultural Corporation of Australia Limited, 1981. Pine, Crane and Chrysanthemum Dower, John W. The Elements of Japanese Design : A Handbook of Family Crests, Heraldry and Symbolism. New York and Tokyo: Walker/Weatherhill, 1971. Japanese Imperial chrysanthemum crest
Flower and Bird Paintings of the Ming and Qing Periods, exhibition catalog. Guangdong Provincial Museum and the Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001. Chrysanthemum and Rock
Hyland, Alice R. M. Deities, Emperors, Ladies and Literati: Figure Painting in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Birmingham Alabama: Birmingham museum of Art, 1987. Birthday Celebration, detail
Kakuho/[Bunkacho kanshu]. Tokyo: Mainichi Shinbunsha, 1984. Japanese armor
Lucie-Smith, Edward. Henri Fantin-Latour. New York: Rizzoli International Publications, Inc., 1977. Chrysanthemums
Miske, Diane. 2010 Christmas flower arrangement
Singer.RobertT.,etal.EdoArtinJapan1615-1868,exhibitioncatalog.Washington:NationalGalleryofArtincollaborationwiththeAgencyforCultural Affairs, Govt. of Japan and the Japan Foundation, 1998. Occupations and Activities of the Ninth Month
Ukiyo-e Masterpieces in European Collection, 1987. Tokyo: Kodansha Showa 62, 1987. Chrysanthemums and a Deerfly, cover
www.medals.org.uk/japan/japan001.htm Order of the Chrysanthemum medal
This exhibit was made possible by funding from Gale and Ira Drukier and by the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust.