The Emperor of China and How to Make Chrysanthemum Tea December
13, 2012 § Leave a Comment An ancient variety of chrysanthemum
originating from China, the ‘Emperor of China’ resembles and is
thought to be the chrysanthemum depicted in early Chinese
paintings. Chrysanthemums are also grown for their medicinal
properties, and their purported magic juices were an important
ingredient in the life-prolonging elixir of the Daoist. Fragrant
chrysanthemum tea was considered good for the health, and tonic
wine was brewed from an infusion of their petals. Although
thought to be rich in healing properties and lovely in form, a
more modest well-being was conferred by the vigorous blossoming
of the chrysanthemum. Perhaps the late flowering chrysanthemum
suggests their connection to a long life, for other plants have
finished flowering just as the chrysanthemums begin. The
techniques for learning to paint the orchid, bamboo, plum
blossom, and chrysanthemum comprise the basis of Chinese flower
and bird painting. They are re