By: Darin

Darin — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:09:17 +0000

Thanks for the extra info!

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:14:51 +0000

From what I have read on the web, the chrysanthemum festivals started as harvest festivals in China, and were adopted by Japan. With the adoption of the western calender, they now occur later in the fall. I collect postcards of these dolls. What surpised me was to learn that it is not a case of applying flower blossoms to the life size “dolls” (mannequins would be more accurate), but the plants are alive and growing inside the mannequins, the blossoms covering most of the outside. When I was in Tokyo a few years ago, I got a kick out of going to a small temple that had 4 of the dolls, along with displays of chrysanthemum plants. I enjoyed reading your post. I agree it looks militaristic. A lot of the postcards I have represent samurai folktales. But I have one with superman flying in the sky. I don’t know Japanese. Regards,
Dave

Comments on: Japan Fact Check: Hirakata Chrysanthemum Doll Exhibition

By: Darin

By: Dave