Chrysanthemum Challenge

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums with their countless varieties, colours and shapes are very much appreciated and used in Ikebana. As you may know, it also represents the emperor. The imperial seal of Japan is a yellow chrysanthemum. More details are in this previous post: The Imperial Chrysanthemum.

Although I enjoyed a lot while doing this all-chrysanthemum arrangement, I also find it tough to find the right balance. Creating a mass expression with flowers are usually more challenging than the ones focusing on lines.

The Imperial Chrysanthemum

The Imperial Seal Of Japan

As some of you may know, chrysanthemums are very much appreciated and loved by Japanese people. The Imperial Seal of Japan, the emblem of Japanese Emperor, is actually a 16 petal yellow chrysanthemum. This seal is also embossed on Japanese passports.

These beautiful flowers represents longevity and rejuvenation and called Kiku in Japanese. They even have a festival to their honor and name: Kiku Matsuri.

Chrysanthemums

I love working with chrysanthemums, their numerous variety, shape and color make beautiful Ikebana, though it is not easy to find the right balance in an all-chrysanthemum arrangement. Here, I use three sorts of chrysanthemums in two triangular containers juxtaposed onto each other.  

I couldn't get a good picture of this week's work so I had to content myself with what I have just to give you an idea.