May 8, 2011

Spring Botan (peony) flowers in Kencho-ji


A Haru-Botan (spring-peony) flower is very large (about 15-20 cm in diameter) and have great beauty and splendor in shape and color. Because of its overwhelming grace, this flower is traditionally called the king of flowers in China and Japan.

The royal purple petals of these flowers appeared to be made of brightly-colored silk paper and were trembling peacefully in the light breeze of May.

Botan is said to have been imported into Japan from China in the 8th century as a herbal medicine in connection with the introduction of Buddhism.

2 comments:

Ajisai said...

The silky petals of poenies always make me think of some magnificient kimono dresses.

Thank you for all these wonderful pictures. I will now wait eargerly for one of my other favorite flowers, ''ayame'' !

Kind regards

Kunihiko said...

Dear Ajisai:

Thank you again for your kind comment and support to my blog.

A Haru-Botan (spring-peony) flower is very large (about 15-20 cm in diameter) and splendid in shape and color. This flower is traditionally called the king of flowers in China and Japan.

The petals of this flower seem to be made of brightly-colored silk paper and tremble gracefully in the breeze of May.

In a little while, as the rainy season is approaching, various Ayame (iris) flowers begin to bloom and elegantly beautify the gardens together with gentle Ajisai (Hydrangea) flowers.

With all best wishes,