The chrysanthemum is considered the Imperial flower of Japan.
1. "Salesman Pages Were Works of Art" by Joan Van Patten
2. "Mum's the Word"
by Judy Boyd
MUMS THE WORD
by Judy Boyd
The chrysanthemum is considered the Imperial flower of Japan.
Recently on a visit to Japan I was fortunate enough to view a chrysanthemum festival at the Nagoya Place. Seeing the way that these magnificent flowers were treated, trained and admired, left no doubt of the reverence the Japanese people felt for these blooms.
The chrysanthemum originated in China, probably sometime before
500 BC During the fourth century, a poet named Tao Yuan Ming refused a high
government post and returned to his chrysanthemum garden. He said, rather than
work for the government, he preferred to pick chrysanthemums, entertain his
friends, and get drunk. Thus, the flower has come to symbolize a scholar in
retirement. 
Also, beginning in ancient China, they used the petals and leaves to make wine and medicine. The early morning dew, collected from the flower was thought to help with longevity.
Zen Buddhist monks brought the chrysanthemum to Japan about 400 AD The Japanese were instantly captivated by the beautiful flower and heaped honors upon it. Although the Chinese mum had tight, incurved petals, the Japanese gardeners, over time, developed their own distinctive plant. The Japanese plant had looser petals and a shaggier look.
The Japanese people designated the chrysanthemum an Imperial Emblem in 797 and have honored it through the ages. The Imperial standard, stylized version of the flower has 16 petals. The throne of the Midado was known as the "Chrysanthemum Throne." Ki-Ku, also known as the "Queen of the East," is the personal emblem of the Emperor.
When chrysanthemum plants reached Europe, about the 17th century, the Europeans cross bred the Chinese and the Japanese types. The botanists gave it the name chrysanthemum, which comes from the Greek for "golden flower." "Chrysos" means "gold" and "anthos" means "flower." Over 700 varieties of chrysanthemums are in existence today.
Chrysanthemums are found on many extensively decorated Nippon pieces. Among the most popular are the cobalt and gold pieces, with the flowers in gold-framed medallions.
Another very collectible use of the Imperial Flower is on pieces with a gold
background covered with beads. The blooms on these pieces are large and exotic.
In addition, mums are incorporated into many other Nippon floral
designs. It is even thought that the "rising sun" symbol is a stylized version
of the chrysanthemum.Even though many Nippon patterns were adapted from Western
designs, the Imperial Flower truly belongs to Nippon.
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