Meditating on Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemum is also known as 菊花 (jü hua) in Chinese. It is one of the four great flora that have a special place in Chinese culture. 梅蘭竹菊 (mei lan zhu jü) is often said in one breadth, and the phrase refers to the plum blossom, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum.

Chrysanthemum stands for purity and defiant reclusiveness. It is said that Confucius had once suggested that chrysanthemums can be used as an object for meditation.

This week, I paint 菊 for the first time.

The word chrysanthemum comes from the Greek prefix “krus” meaning golden (its original color) and “anthemion” meaning flower. 菊 is the emblem of the Japanese monarchy.

I had difficulty and asked teacher to help.

Teacher erased some areas with his broad wet brush. He always made things seem so easy.

I really like teacher’s style. He emphasises light, lets his brush strokes show, and mixes colours direct on the brush and paper without blending. He also encourages the use of colourful shadows and creative composition, always reminding me not to just paint what I see exactly as that lacks creativity.

You have to learn to play with different colours, he said. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Don’t box yourself up.

I have to learn to let go. It’s not so easy letting go. It is safer to have rules, structure and steps.

Maybe I should follow Confucius’ advise and meditate on chrysanthemums. Who knows, I may be able to free the shackles from my mind and paint really pretty flowers some day!

Left to my own devices, I would not be able to do justice to the bouquet of chrysanthemums. Teacher again saved the day. As the yellow flowers lean towards warmer tone, teacher advised me to use cooler colours such as green or blue to allow the warmth of the yellow to stand out.

My beloved’s pastel chrysanthemum.

Related articles

• Alessi: The Four Gracious Plants (ibelieveinadv.com)
• Flower Glossary: Chrysanthemum (proflowers.com)