Chrysanthemum in traditional Chinese culture has a symbolic meaning for long life. When it is presented with stone which then has an auspicious name of ‘long-life stone (寿石)’, the whole picture symbolises good wishes for longevity in life.

When the motif of chrysanthemum is used together with quail, the pronunciation of chrysanthemum in Chinese ‘ju (菊)’ serves as a pun for ‘ju (居, meaning living or residing). See more explanation in An Ju (安居).

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Tao Yuanming’s Love for Chrysanthemum

• Fig 1: enamel porcelain bowl, Qianlong period (1736 – 96), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 2: enamel porcelain bowl, Yongzheng period (1732), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 3: enamel porcelain bowl, Qianlong period (1736 – 96), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 4: enamel porcelain bowl, Qianlong period (1741), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 5: enamel porcelain bowl, Yongzheng period (1723 – 35), Qing dynasty, courtesy of the National Palace Museum, Taipei

  Fig 6-7: blue-and-white porcelain plate, 15th century, courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY