With Summer just around the corner, we thought it a good opportunity to write about Hanakotoba, the Japanese language of flowers.
Flowers have always held a special place in Japanese culture and history, serving as symbols of love, beauty and emotion. In Japan, this symbolic connection is elevated through Hanakotoba, “the language of flowers”.
Wisteria and Peonies depicting on a monumental, Exhibition-quality Cloisonné vase by Goto
Hanakotoba is a centuries-old cultural tradition that assigns meanings to different flowers and is commonplace in culture, literature art and everyday life.
In this blog, we discover the fascinating history and practice of Hanakotoba and we look at some of our favourite blooms, what they symbolise and how they appear across our collection of Japanese Fine Art and Antiques.
As always with our articles and stories, you can click on any of the images to take a closer look at the piece in question.
Songbirds amongst the Wisteria on a beautiful Satsuma vase by Sozan, (Principal artist at the Kinkozan Company)
The origins of Hanakotoba:
The practice of assigning symbolic meaning to flowers is not unique to Japan with similar traditions found in many cultures across the Globe.
For example, in Britain in the 19th Century, at a time when Victorians were often characterized as repressed or prudish, the study of Floriography flourished as a way of covertly expressing emotions through bouquets.
A young lady practices the art of Ikebana under the supervision of her elderly teacher
Hanakotoba can be traced back over 500 years with classical Japanese poetry such as “Waka” or “Haiku” using flowers as metaphors for seasons, emotions and life events.
A Poppy battles against the wind in this fine Silver and multi-metal vase from the Ozeki Company
By the Edo Period (1603-1868) Hanakotoba had evolved from a codified language to become an established cultural practice.
With the ascension of the Emperor Meiji (1868-1912), Japan was transformed from being a feudal, inward looking Island Nation to establishing itself as an industrialised world power.
During this Golden Age, Japan exhibited at many of the International Trade Fairs across Europe and the United States of America and showcased exceptional works of art including fine metalwork, ceramics, enamelware, paintings and furniture.
An elegant Shibuichi, Silver and enamel vase depicting Lilies by Takasaki Koichi
A lot of these works were designed to appeal to the Western taste and aesthetic of the time, so would depict fantastical mythical creatures, Deities, legendary figures, scenes of idyllic life, powerful or symbolic animals and in many cases, floral arrangements (Ikebana), Cherry Blossom (Sakura) and countless other scenes involving flowers and blooms.
In many cases, the practice of Hanakotoba is depicted on these works of art giving them a hidden symbolism. We have selected a few of our favourite examples from our own collection of Meiji-era fine art and antiques.
Peonies in bloom as depicted on a fine Satsuma vase by Yabu Meizan
Cherry Blossom: Sakura
Arguably the most iconic flower in all of Japan, Cherry Blossom represents the fleeting and transient beauty of life. Its bloom lasts only a few weeks and serves as a poignant reminder of our mortality and the impermanence of existence. This is a concept deeply rooted in Japanese philosophy.
When you have finished this article, you can read more about Sakura and the Japanese tradition of Hanami, by Clicking Here.
Songbirds among Sakura on an impressive, large vase by the Kinkozan Company
Chrysanthemum: Kiku
A symbol of longevity and rejuvenation (because of its long flowering period and resilience against harsh conditions), the Chrysanthemum holds a special place as the emblem of the Japanese Imperial family. The sixteen-petaled variety is featured on the Imperial seal and appears on Japanese passports and official standard flags to this day. Because of its high status, it also represents nobility and purity.
Chrysanthemum on a exceptional pair of Silver and multi-metal vases
Camelia: Tsubaki
The Camelia actually has multiple meanings in Hanakotoba, dependant on its colour. Red Camelias are a symbol of love while white ones symbolise purity. Paradoxically, Camelias are also associated with death. This is because their petals fall whole which is evocative of a beheading.
A spider weaves his web on a bough of flowering Peonies on this Bronze vase. Perhaps a double metaphor for the macabre
Iris: Shobu
A representation of courage, strength and protection, the Iris is associated with the Samurai because of its sword-like leaves.
A beautiful display of flowering Iris on this elegant pair of Cloisonné vases
It is believed that the Iris could ward off evil spirits and its flower is a popular motif during the Boys’ Day celebration that takes place every year in May.
Gold, Shakudo and Silver Irises on this large Bronze vase
Lotus: Hasu
Iconic as a sacred flower in Buddhism, the Lotus is a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and purity. The Lotus often grows from murky waters to bloom in pristine beauty and as such it is seen as a representation of the journey of the soul.
Lotus flowers and seed pods on this exceptional pair of Multi-metal vases
Wisteria:
Wisteria is one of the most beloved flowers of Japanese artists with its elegant blue and purple blooms often adorning fine Cloisonne and Satsuma works. In Hankokotoba, it is a sign of hospitality and humility.
A minute depiction of Butterflies flying amongst Wisteria on this fine Satsuma Koro
The long vines of the Wisteria combined with its durability (some specimens have been recorded to live for over 140 years) have also led it to become a symbol of longevity and resilience.
Colourful Song-birds enjoying the cascading Wisteria on this square-form Satsuma vase
Peonies:
Peonies are known as the “King of Flowers” and often appear alongside their noble companion, the Chrysanthemum. While beautiful and fragile in appearance, they convey a masculine presence and are associated with bravery, honour and wealth.
A Masterful Iron and multi-metal Koro by celebrated artists, Kajima Ikkoku II and Higashiyama Motonobu
The masterful wooden Okimono below depicts a group of three playful Karashishi (Lion Dogs) wrestling over a flowering Peony. The King of Beasts with the King of Flowers.
An exceptional wood-carved Okimono depicting Karashishi and Peonies
The below image shows a detail on a monumental Exhibition-quality Cloisonne vase signed Goto with Peonies in bloom against a backdrop of cascading Wisteria.
Peonies and Wisteria on this monumental Cloisonné Goto vase
It is said that Hanakotoba is more than just the language of the flowers and that it is actually a window into the soul of Japanese culture. Through understanding the meanings behind these blooms, one is able to gain an insight into the values and philosophies that define Japan.
We hope you enjoyed this article. You can browse through over 100 blog posts and stories inspired by our collection of Chinese and Japanese Fine Art and Antiques by Clicking Here.