NaN -Infinity

Kiku: The Art of the Japanese Chrysanthemum

Kiku: The Art of the Japanese Chrysanthemum

$12.99 USD
$12.99 USD
Sale Sold out
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
 More payment options
Condition: Like New

Author(s): Sally Armstrong Leone and Carol Capobianco
Publication year: 2008
Publication date: 2008-01-01
Binding: Paperback
Language: English
Publisher: The New York Botanical Garden
ISBN: 9780893279721

Kiku: The Art of the Japanese Chrysanthemum is a beautifully crafted photographic and cultural exploration of kiku—Japan’s revered chrysanthemum—tracing centuries-old cultivation techniques and artistic display traditions. Born from a cultural exchange with Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyoen, this book offers an intimate portrait of an autumnal art form and the hands that shape it.

What You’ll Discover

  • Imperial chrysanthemum styles: Detailed presentations of ozukuri (“thousand‑bloom” domes), ogiku (“single‑stem” giants), kengai (“cascades”), and shino‑tsukuri (“driving‑rain” arrangements), each reflecting months of meticulous training.

  • Botanical artistry: Stunning color photography paired with narratives that highlight the skill, patience, and philosophy behind every bloom.

  • Cultural insights: Background on kiku’s symbolism in Japanese culture—from its Imperial crest origins to modern “hanami” traditions—and the technical know‑how needed to coax perfection from a single stem.

Why It Matters
Chrysanthemums epitomize Japanese aesthetics: impermanence, refinement, and harmony. This volume captures how ancient horticultural disciplines blend with contemporary artistry, making it a must-read for garden historians, floral designers, and admirers of ephemeral beauty.

Who Will Appreciate It

  • Horticulture and bonsai enthusiasts

  • Fans of Japanese art, design, and seasonal culture

  • Visitors or students of Shinjuku Gyoen and the New York Botanical Garden’s cultural programs

  • Anyone drawn to the intersection of nature, art, and ritual

A compact, visually rich celebration—Kiku brings the living artistry of Japanese chrysanthemum cultivation into vivid focus.

Shipping costs are calculated based on the weight of the item and the delivery location. We ship via Media Mail or Ground Advantage through USPS.

Shop with Confidence!
We stand by the quality of our books. If for any reason you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, we offer a 100% full refund along with free return shipping.

View full details

Book Condition Scale

  • Like New

    This book is in excellent condition and appears to have been read only once. The pages are clean and unmarked, with no creases or stains. The binding remains firm and tight. There may be minimal signs of shelf wear on the cover or dust jacket, but overall, the book looks and feels nearly new.

  • Very Good

    This book has been read but remains in great condition. It does not look new, yet there is no obvious damage to the cover. Wear and tear are minimal. The pages are clean, free of highlighting or notes, though it may contain identifying marks from a previous owner or bookstore.

  • Good

    This book shows moderate to heavy signs of wear that can include creases, stains or tears. The cover may have minimal damage, and the binding remains intact with slight wear. The majority of pages are undamaged, though there may be some highlighting, underlining, or notes. It may also contain identifying marks from a previous owner or bookstore.

  • Acceptable

    This book shows significant wear, which may include tears, large stains, creases, loose pages, and heavy notes, underlining, or highlighting. The binding may be loose but remains intact. While it has noticeable imperfections, it is still a complete and readable copy. Any major defects will be clearly noted in the listing.

  • As Is

    This book is visibly worn and may be heavily soiled, scuffed, stained, or spotted. It may have loose joints, hinges, or pages, and some text or pages may be missing. Large tears and other significant defects may be present. While still a readable copy, it shows substantial signs of use. Any major flaws will be clearly noted in the listing.

  • Dust Jacket Grading

    (A) Excellent
    The dust jacket is in excellent condition, may show the slightest signs of shelf wear, if any.

    (B) Good
    Shows minor shelf wear, usually along edges and may have a few light stains.

    (C) Fair
    Displays moderate shelf wear, including some noticeable small tears, creasing and/or stains.

    (D) Poor
    Contains large tears, several creases, and/or heavy staining.

    (F) As Is
    Shows significant wear and tear. Majority of dust jacket is torn or missing. May contain heavy staining.