Discussion

Last week's shikunshi painting subject was for a specific type of chrysanthemum, miyakowasure, for which the Japanese have a special fondness. This week, we look at chrysanthemums in general (kiku 菊). Like last week, the painting demonstration will also include a dragonfly (tombo トンボ). For information about dragonflies, see last week's lesson.

Chrysanthemum (kiku)

Chrysanthemums were imported into Japan from China in the 5th century for medicinal purposes. Today, there are around 350 varieties in Japan alone and roughly 200,000 varieties worldwide. The chrysanthemum was adopted as the personal emblem of the emperor Go-Toba (1180–1239) and has been the symbol of Japan's emperors ever since.

The symbol above is specifically for use by the emperor. It has two layers of petals, 16 in the foreground and 16 in the background. Japan's princes use a single layer symbol. There are over 150 variations of the symbol used for specific purposes.

All variations are modeled on the ichimonji variety of Chrysanthemum, seen below:

The imperial throne of the emperor of Japan.

Chrysanthemums have been cultivated throughout Japan since the Heian Period (794 to 1185). Some white and yellow varieties can be brewed to make chrysanthemum tea or used for garnish on sashimi (raw fish). Certain chemicals extracted from chrysanthemums are powerful insecticides. NASA studies have shown that chrysanthemums can reduce indoor air pollution.

Fafard Spider Chrysanthemum

Misty Golden Chrysanthemum.

This senrin-zaki arrangement branches out from a single stem.

Cascading chrysanthemums, again from a single stem.

Chrysanthemum bonsai.

Mum and horsetails ikebana arrangement.

Chrysanthemum painting by Mitsuoka Tosa (1617-1691).

Mitsuoka Tosa succeeded his father as head of the multi-generational Tosa school of art and eventually became edokoro azukari (head of the court painting bureau) for the emperor's court.

A chrysanthemum woodblock print by Hokusai (1833-1834).

A chrysanthemum woodblock print by Hiroshige (1835).