General of Three Provinces – Chrys…

This woodblock is from the series, &quotKeika Hyaku Kiku&quot or &quot100 Chrysanthemums or kiku came to Japan from China around the 8th century A.D., and the Emperor adopted the 16-petalled flower, or Ichimonjiginu, as the crest and official seal. The Imperial throne of Japan is referred to as the Chrysanthemum Throne. Regarded as a symbol of the sun, perfection, and long life, the chrysanthemum is celebrated by the Japanese during the annual Festival of Happiness held in November. Keika Hasegawa was active from 1893 to 1905, is best known for this series of chrysanthemums and was influenced by earlier Japanese botanical studies (kacho-e) and the introduction of the Pre-Raphaelite movement to Japan.