Oriental and European History. 9 



of culture practiced at Chea-yuen, where it is extensively cul- 

 tivated, is the grafting of cuttings into stout stems of Artemisia 

 indica as a stock. Among the Japanese the chrysanthemum 

 is no less prized than in China, and they display great skill in 

 its culture, calling it the Queen of Flowers. At the most 

 popular of the Japanese festivals, the people display effigies 

 of their traditional heroes, constructed of massive chrysan- 

 themum blossoms, Benkei, the Japanese Hercules, appearing 

 gorgeously appareled in white, yellow and purple pompons. 



In many other ways the Chinese and Japanese reveal their 

 love for this plant, but probably in no more apparent and 

 lasting manner than by applying the talent of their most 

 skillful artists to portray its fair form and vivid coloring on 

 their pottery and household fabrics, as well as in numberless 

 illustrated books and pamphlets. 



In Japan the Imperial Order of the Chrysanthemum is the 

 most distinguished decoration of the Empire. It was founded 

 in 1876, and consists of a star and collar hung around the 

 neck by a riband, the whole work being in gold, silver and 

 enamels. Bestowed, with rare exceptions, only upon royal 

 personages, it is consequently considered a very high distinc- 

 tion among European sovereigns who have been wearers of 

 this mark of the Mikado's favor. The chrysanthemum, or 

 "kiku," as it is called in Japan, is also one of the crest 

 badges of the imperial family, and is used as an official seal. 

 The hilts of the swords forged by the Emperor Go Toba, who 

 ascended the throne in 1186, had the kiku figured upon them. 



The chrysanthemum season in Japan is looked forward to 

 with much pleasure, and the different communities manifest 

 the greatest enthusiasm in its culture. A certain day is set 

 apart as a festival, when all turn out to pay due homage to 

 their national emblem, the many-hued chrysanthemum. Dur- 

 ing their blooming period the gardens of all the prominent 

 florists present an exhibiVon of great beauty. Each evening 



