Chrysanthemum Case Study

Words: 1075
Pages: 5

Introduction
Jade Covered Chrysanthemum Cup in Mughal Style - Made by white jade, marking with ‘Qianlong’, it is a jade product manufactured during Qianlong period in Qing dynasty which was the period also known as the ‘Golden Period of Jade Ware’. Qianlong is well-known for loving chrysanthemum, jade and Hindustan style artifact. Emperor Qianlong even wrote nearly 800 poetries to appreciate jade ware and 44 of them are appreciating chrysanthemum. This artifact has totally combined all what Qianlong loves. But however, what values does this artifact possess? Medium
Jade - was used to make tools and ornaments since 600 BC, starting from Neolithic period. In China, jade was used to represent virtue and gentlemen, consisting of temperament of not only

Shape of this artifact was in chrysanthemum shape. It was closely related to daily life and nature and pursued vivid, lifelike and realism.

Beauty of Theme
Chrysanthemum, a popular theme in Ming and Qing, has been deemed as one of the four-gentleman flowers as well. It has a tenacious vitality as it experiences wind and frost during transition of autumn to winter. Likewise, it symbolizes the virtue of withstanding adversities and the sharp sense of integrity. Poet Tao Yuanming (陶淵明), a great figure in Chinese literature culture, often revealed his love toward, appraised and appreciated chrysanthemum in his literary works, praising Chrysanthemum as the ‘Hermit of flowers’.

Besides, it is a symbol of wealth and longevity mentioned in early classical literature. In Chinese, chrysanthemum is pronounced as 'Ju(菊)', sounding similar to ‘Jiu(久)’ which means ‘long time’. At the same time, petals of chrysanthemum can be used for medicinal purpose. Associated with such semantic meaning and purpose chrysanthemum became the flower standing for longevity.

Social Value
Connection between Qing and Other