Outline of Exhibition

Traditional Antique Chrysanthemum
展示物イメージ

Chrysanthemums, one of Japan's common horticultural plants, are not native to Japan; however, we know that in the Heian period (794 to 1185) Kikkano-en (chrysanthemum-viewing garden parties) were the vogue in the Imperial Court. It is thought that the chrysanthemum was first introduced into Japan from China, together with other cultural items, in the Ritsuryo period(From the latter half of the 7th century to the 10th century).

During the Heian and Kamakura periods (1185 to 1333), special chrysanthemums were developed by members of the ruling class, based on the Japanese people’s sense of beauty. For example, the Saga giku chrysanthemum, which has brush-like petals, was cultivated exclusively in the Daikakuji Temple in Kyoto; and Ise giku, with its drooping petals, was cultivated in Ise and Matsuzaka regions (present-day Mie Prefecture). In this way, the chrysanthemum gradually established its privileged position among the ruling class, for use in parties, as material for artistic crafts, and as a symbol of eternal youth and immortality.

In the middle of Early Modern Japan(Edo period,1800), chrysanthemums gradually became popular among the common people; for example, flower gardens with a variety of chrysanthemum varieties were created, and exhibitions of artworks incorporating chrysanthemums became prevalent. Among the varieties contributing to this popularity were Higo giku, which has sparse petals, and Edo giku, whose petals change shape after blooming, as well as Choji giku, with its hemispherical center. These traditional medium-sized flowers are called Koten giku (classical chrysanthemums).

This year’s theme is Chrysanthemum Appreciation in the Edo Period (1603–1868): Planting in the Ground, Cut Flowers and Potted Flowers. We use panels to explain planting in the ground or in the flower bed, cut flowers, and potted plants for appreciating chrysanthemum flowers in the Edo period.

 

Period Nov 1 (Tue), 2022- Nov 27 (Sun), 2022
Venue Botanical Garden of Everyday Life, National Museum of Japanese History
Admissions ¥100
* Free admission for High school age and below.
Hours 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (no entrance after 4:00 p.m.)
Closed Nov.7 (Mon) ,14 (Mon), and 21 (Mon)
Sponsor National Museum of Japanese History

Higo-giku

Tenku-no-hanabi

Iwai-no-tsuki

Edo-giku

Edohouki

Kasuga

Saga-giku

Saga-no-yume

Saga-no-kaori

Ise-giku (including Matsuzaka-giku)

Takasago

(Rekihaku original)

Oshu-giku

Eirakuden

Aikokuden

Choji-giku

Kishi-no-akaboshi

Hakuunmaru