Our Favorite Chrysanthemum-Inspired Tableware Picks This Fall
Written by Team MUSUBI
As the crispness of fall settles in and the trees begin to show their vibrant colors, there are flowers that bloom gently, blending beautifully with Japan’s landscape. Chrysanthemums, cherished for centuries as symbols of longevity and elegance, are often seen in gardens, on tableware, and in everyday life throughout the autumn season. Here, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite pieces featuring chrysanthemum motifs. Whether shaped like the flower itself or subtly decorated with chrysanthemum designs, each item is perfect for enhancing your fall dining experience. These pieces are ideal for enjoying warm meals or simply appreciating the changing season.
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Chrysanthemums: Symbols of Longevity and Elegance
Chrysanthemums, with their graceful beauty, have been beloved as the quintessential autumn flower in Japan.
In China, where chrysanthemums originated, they were believed to be an herb for immortality. The tradition of drinking chrysanthemum wine for longevity was brought to Japan during the Heian period (794–1185 CE), where the flower became a symbol of long life and prosperity. The ninth day of the ninth month in the old lunar calendar, known as Choyo no Sekku, involves decorating with chrysanthemums and drinking chrysanthemum wine to wish for health and longevity.
With their symmetrical shape and delicate fragrance, chrysanthemums also symbolize nobility and grace in Japanese culture. Today, chrysanthemums are featured on Japan’s passports and imperial symbols, standing proudly alongside cherry blossoms as a national icon.
Now, let’s take a closer look at how chrysanthemums are beautifully expressed in Japanese tableware.
Chrysanthemums in Form
This exquisite Old Imari chrysanthemum plate, with intricate motifs on both the front and back, brings an elegant touch to the table with its delicate gold rim and unique patterns on each petal. The raised edge makes it ideal for dishes with sauces or liquids.
This elegant, matte white chrysanthemum plate features soft pleats on the outer edge, mimicking the petals of the flower. The straight lines leading to the center naturally draw the eye to the dish. Its simple, versatile color makes it perfect for serving salads, appetizers, sushi, and more.
Chrysanthemum plates from Keizan Kiln come in various designs, even though they share the same shape. Some feature vine patterns, while others boast a gorgeous peony that blooms large across the plate. By combining these pieces according to your preferences and needs, you can create a vibrant atmosphere on the table, as if a garden of flowers had bloomed.
These plates, which work wonderfully as sauce plates, for serving pickles, wasabi , or other condiments, or as dessert plates, are not only practical for everyday meals but also make thoughtful gifts for those who appreciate Japanese art and craftsmanship.
Chrysanthemums in Motifs
This matcha bowl, perfectly sized to fit both hands, features delicate chrysanthemums in purple and white, arranged in a bamboo basket design along the gently curved side. This bowl, which brings the rich aroma and warmth of matcha, is ideal for those seeking a peaceful moment in the midst of their busy daily life.
This Arita ware chawanmushi bowl, with its elegant chrysanthemums floating over a vivid green base, makes a striking impression. Remarkably, the first thing painted on this bowl is the chrysanthemum in soft blue and vibrant gold. Carefully, bright green is applied in the remaining space, ensuring no overlap.
Created with an advanced hand-painting technique that demands delicacy and focus, this chawanmushi bowl is a work of art, bringing color and elegance to your dining table.
This Mikawachi ware rice bowl features delicate, flowing brushstrokes that depict chrysanthemums. Mikawachi ware, produced in Nagasaki Prefecture, is known for its translucent white porcelain, decorated with fine blue underglaze painting, or sometsuke. Skilled artisans expertly manipulate a brush with cobalt pigment to create a delicate gradient from the outer petals to the center of the flower. Despite being lightweight and thin, this piece is surprisingly durable, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a perfect balance of elegance and functionality.
This Aizu lacquered flat sakazuki cup showcases chrysanthemums in various stages of bloom, from buds to full flowers. The red lacquered cup beautifully contrasts with the golden petals and green leaves and stems. When sake is poured in, the reflection on the surface adds to its beauty. It serves as an excellent companion to enhance festive occasions and can also be displayed using the accompanying stand, making it a charming accent for your home décor.
Chrysanthemums in Clay
This donabe (Japanese clay pot) features the soft texture unique to ceramics, with elegant chrysanthemum petals beautifully depicted. The soft white color expressed through the traditional kohiki technique, combined with the deep black color that is enhanced with glaze for added stain resistance, creates a striking contrast. Perfect for making large servings of soup or oden, this donabe is ideal for everyday family meals or lively home parties with friends.
This medium bowl features a gently rising curved design from the bottom to the rim, making the bowl itself feel like a soft-blooming chrysanthemum. With a perfect weight and an ideal size that comfortably fits in hand, along with a calm and rich color, this bowl seamlessly blends into your daily routine without ever losing its appeal. Ideal for serving salads, noodle dishes, or as a shared bowl for soup-based clay pot meals, this bowl is perfect for those seeking a versatile piece of tableware.
This rice bowl pair, featuring chrysanthemums painted in red, purple, green, and yellow—colors representative of Kutani ware—is outlined in elegant gold. The chrysanthemums, ranging from sharp, pointed petals to soft, rounded forms, are beautifully arranged to create a luxurious atmosphere. The firm texture and sophisticated color palette provide a sense of joy in using high-quality tableware. These two rice bowls, available in both small and large sizes, make a thoughtful gift for any couple or individual, and are an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate beauty into their everyday lives.
This autumn, why not bring the beauty and subtle elegance of the season into your daily meals with chrysanthemum-themed tableware? Enjoying your meals while reflecting on the chrysanthemums' symbolism of longevity and grace, as well as the artisan's dedication behind each piece, will surely make your dining time even more special. Find your favorite chrysanthemum design in the gentle autumn light, and create your own enriching moments.
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