Chrysanthemum
菊花
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Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium, 菊花 júhuā) joins the esteemed ranks of plum blossom, orchid, and bamboo as one of the ‘Four Gentlemen of Flowers’ – 四君子花 (sì jūnzǐ huā) in China. Just like peonies, chrysanthemums find their place in ancient classical literature such as The Book of Odes (诗经 shī jīng), symbolising longevity, wealth, and the enchanting arrival of autumn. The allure of these blooms lies not only in their elegance but also in their medicinal properties, with chrysanthemum petals being used in soothing infusions and other parts of the plant being edible. The connection to longevity is beautifully intertwined with the pronunciation of the Chinese word for chrysanthemum 菊 jú, resembling the word 久 jiǔ, which signifies ‘long enduring’.
Blue China aster (Callistephus chinensis) stands out with its delicate and slender petals. In China, it is fondly known as cuìjú 翠菊, or the kingfisher chrysanthemum. Some esteemed scholars even trace its presence to the ancient verses of The Book of Odes, showcasing its timeless allure that has captivated artists since the illustrious Song dynasty. The advent of vivid blue overglaze enamel in the 18th century further elevated the popularity of China asters, making them an esteemed motif on imperial porcelain, a symbol of artistic brilliance.
Description kindly contributed by Mr Tom Oxley, Aug 2023
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Fig 1-2: porcelain plate with underglaze blue decoration, 15th century, courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Fig 3: enamelled blue-and-white saucer dish, Tianqi period (1621–27), Ming dynasty, courtesy of the Christie’s Auction House HK, 29 Nov 2022, Lot 2919, previous collection of the Butler Family
Fig 4: enamelled deep bowls, Tianqi period (1621–27), Ming dynasty, courtesy of the Christie’s Auction House HK, 29 Nov 2022, Lot 2913, previous collection of the Butler Family
Fig 5: enamelled saucer dish, Tianqi period (1621–27), Ming dynasty, courtesy of the Christie’s Auction House HK, 29 Nov 2022, Lot 2914, previous collection of the Butler Family
Fig 6: falangcai enamelled porcelain cup, Yongzheng period (1732), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei
Fig 7: falangcai enamelled porcelain cup, Yongzheng period (1723–35), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei
Fig 8: falangcai enamelled porcelain bowl, Qianlong period (1741), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei
Fig 9-10: falangcai enamelled porcelain bowl, Qianlong period (1736–95), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei
Fig 11: glass bottle with painted enamels, Qianlong period (1736–95), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei
Fig 12-13: falangcai enamelled porcelain vase, Qianlong period (1736–95), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei