Camellia

Swallow and Camellia. After Itō Jakuchū (1716–1800). Meiji period (1868–1912), woodblock print.

BACKGROUND

Camellia or tsubaki in Japanese [椿] are natives of East and South East Asia, well represented in China and Indochina. In Japan, these beautiful flowers are known since the Heian period (794-1185). They were first appreciated for their medicinal qualities and used in religious ceremonies. During Edo period (1601-1868), the charm of the flowers was noticed by the artists and camellia showed up as a subject in paintings, literature, textile patterns, porcelain and stoneware designs.

 Set of Five Camellia-Shaped Side Dishes (Mukōzuke) with Camellia Patterns. Workshop of Ogata Kenzan (1663-1743). Edo period (1615-1868), stoneware with white slop under and polychrome enamels over transparent glaze (Kyoto, Kenzan ware)

SYMBOLISM

Camellia flowers usually bloom in late winter-early spring, withstanding cold weather. For this reason, they were associated with the samurai. Camellia flowers in patterns of formal samurai wear is symbol of resilience and quiet strength. On Edo woodblocks, tsubaki are often pictured covered in snow and integrated into winter landscapes.

Sparrow and Snow-covered Camellia. Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858). Edo period (1615-1868). Woodblock print.

While generally tsubaki symbolise beauty and elegance, different colours can have different interpretations. Red camellia flower symbolises love and passion, white or pink – purity and innocence.Tsubaki motifs used in kimono and obi fabrics are associated with luxury, as they were loved by the nobility.

Lush evergreen leaves and durability of camellia are associated with long-lasting love and loyalty, as well as steadfastness in relationships.

Unlike cherry blossoms, that lose their petals one after another, camellia flower drops off the stem as a whole, symbolising a sudden end of life. The concept of impermanence, a complete end of life, brought negative connotations to the flowers and associations with death. For this reason camellias are used in funeral ceremonies even today.

Interestingly, tsubaki oil, extracted from camellia fruit, was once sent as a diplomatic gift from Japan to China between 607 and 839 CE. Tsubaki oil is now widely used in cosmetics and skincare industry. Several islands in Japan are known as sources for production of the best high-quality pure tsubaki oil – Oshima island (Hokkaido prefecture), Toshima (Tokyo), Goto islands (Nagasaki), Izu Islands (Tokyo).

Design of Flowers. Ogata Kōrin (1658–1716), Edo period (1615-1858). Woodblock print.

Images: The Met