May 30, 2015

Botan (peony) flowers: Kencho-ji



A Haru-Botan (spring-peony) flower is very large (about 15-20 cm in diameter) and have great beauty and splendor.

In China and Japan, because of its amazing charm, this flower is traditionally called the king of flowers and is regarded as a very auspicious omen.

Peony is said to have been imported into Japan from China as a herbal medicine when the teachings of Buddhism were introduced into Japan.

2 comments:

Kathleen said...

Very beautiful photo. I have similar purple japanese tree peony in my yard in U.S. (Illinois). But not so many flowers as this.

Kunihiko said...

Thank you for your kind comment, which encourages me to continue this photolog.
I am very happy to know that you liked my photographs.

In Japan, the flower of Botan (peony) is regarded as one of the luckiest omens.

In May, many flowers of Botan can be seen in the gardens of Zen temples of Kamakura.