Beyond the Block: Chrysanthemum Bowl
From symbols of longevity and nobility to colorful autumn decoration, chrysanthemums have flourished for centuries in Chinese and Japanese art and porcelain.
Botanically, fall is associated with foliage (or food plants) more than flowers, but bold blossoms haven’t faded away just yet. Chrysanthemums bloom in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, purple, red, and pink throughout the season, making them a popular symbol of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. They are native to East Asia, where they were first cultivated in China thousands of years ago and were introduced to Japan around the 8th century, and retain important roles in art and cultural traditions.
Celebrations for the Double Ninth Festival, observed throughout East Asia on the ninth day of the ninth month, include decorating with chrysanthemums, using them in cooking, and drinking chrysanthemum wine. Traditionally, the “ninth month” is determined by the lunisolar calendar, but after Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar, the festival is celebrated on September 9 as Chrysanthemum Day.
In China, the chrysanthemum is one of the “Four Noble Ones,” a group of plants that symbolize ideal virtues...