The Kiku no Sekku, a festival dedicated to Japan’s iconic flower: the chrysanthemum, falls in September. What better occasion, then, to discover more about this important emblem of the Rising Sun.
We will explore its symbolic value and its close link with the imperial family; we will talk about its implications in popular tradition, and of course we will talk about its presence in artistic representations.
Let us therefore immerse ourselves in this fascinating journey to discover the chrysanthemum, symbol of beauty, royalty and wish for longevity.
The history of the chrysanthemum and Kiku no Sekku
The chrysanthemum was introduced to Japan from China in the 8th century, immediately acquiring a great value that has been consolidated over time, so much so that it has become the country’s iconic flower. Its beneficial natural properties with healing value, as well as its beauty, have certainly contributed to its popularity. Moreover, it is immediately associated with longevity because of its main characteristic: endurance. It is indeed a flower that resists frost and, even when it withers, does not lose its many petals.
As is often the case, when an object or animal, in this case a flower, becomes a positive symbol for popular culture, a festival is dedicated to it, one or more days during the year when its properties are celebrated. The chrysanthemum is no exception.
As we have already mentioned, exactly during these days in September, Kiku no Sekku, also called ‘the day of the chrysanthemums’, takes place, a festival that is part of the five major Japanese holidays (Gosekku).
The festival, established in the Heian era (794-1185), is characterised by the creation of elaborate flower arrangements. The beauty of the flower is celebrated and these compositions are admired while enjoying traditional food and drink. This festival is, of course, also an opportunity to extol and celebrate the concepts associated with the flower to which it is dedicated: longevity, health and peace.
The kiku ningyō dolls
It was around 1700, the year that saw the peak of Kiku no Sekku, that dolls made from chrysanthemums were introduced. A structure made of reeds around which the flowers were grown to create the clothing of these figures with human features and dimensions.
The face and related details were made from wax. These are the kiku ningyō, dolls skilfully made using artistic techniques that are sometimes very complex. Besides being beautiful decorations, kiku ningyō also represented flesh and blood characters. These were mostly kabuki actors, well-known artists and generally prominent personalities.
The chrysanthemum as imperial symbol
It seems that the first emperor to use the chrysanthemum as a symbol of imperial authority was Tenmu (631-686). As an official royal coat of arms, however, it was adopted later by Emperor Go-Toba (1180-1239). This is the so-called ‘Chrysanthemum Seal’, which represents the stylised flower with 16 petals and as an image soon became synonymous with the imperial family. Since then, in fact, it appears on official documents, such as passports, and on some coins.
Why the chrysanthemum was chosen as the symbol of the imperial family, it is easy to imagine. In truth, it is a mix of various reasons. For a start, the flower has a symmetrical and regular structure, and this is an aesthetic requirement much appreciated by Japanese culture. Then there is the association with the autumn season and the transience of life, as well as with the beauty of the fleeting and respect for nature. Finally, there is the symbolism of longevity. In both China and Japan, ancient traditions tell of the chrysanthemum’s power to prolong life. It was thought that anyone who cultivated it, or merely admired it, was infused with wisdom and good health.
The Chrysanthemum in Japanese Art
Such an important symbol, with so many profound meanings, could not fail to play a primary role in art. Indeed, there are many masters of all arts who have represented the chrysanthemum in their works. Paintings, sculptures and handicrafts have the kiku as their protagonist, represented both as a subject in the foreground and as a background to various scenes and portraits.
In the Edo period (1603 – 1868), it was the artists of the Rinpa school such as Ogata Kōrin and Sakai Hōitsu who often depicted the chrysanthemum. In keeping with the style of the artistic current to which they belonged, their flowers were characterised by a daring use of natural colours and shapes.
However, it is the byōbu that are the best known example in Japanese art of the use of the chrysanthemum. These are painted screens depicting flowers in natural settings. In ukiyo-e prints this flower is also a recurrent subject; in this case it is painted in floral compositions or as a background for portraits of various characters: warriors, courtesans and kabuki artists.
As we mentioned earlier, the chrysanthemum has been a protagonist in all artistic genres and reproduced on all kinds of materials. Not only screens, paintings and prints therefore, but also ceramic vases and lacquers. Here the flower was also very often used as a decorative motif for boxes and plates. Finally, we often find it in traditional fashion; kimonos are in fact adorned with representations of this flower which, in this case, is a symbol of good taste and refinement.
