Of Clover and Chrysanthemum: Autumn Themes in Japanese Woodblock Prints November 24, 2010

Autumn themes decorate a wide variety of objects in Japan. In woodblock prints, one finds characteristic subjects such as chrysanthemums, morning glories, and autumn grasses. These motifs, like geese flying before the autumn moon or persimmons, are based upon observations of seasonal changes in nature. The subjects also have rich literary associations. Some themes, like chrysanthemums, are derived from Chinese literature, which was much admired and imitated by the Japanese; others, like morning glories, belong to the native Japanese literary tradition.