Photos: Hydrangeas in Japanese art

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

By Wayne Pridemore

The hydrangea, "ajisai" in Japanese, is the floral symbol of rainy season. The flower is adored and honored by most Japanese like they do for ume, sakura, and irises. 

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

These wonderful plants have come into bloom in our yard.

A hanging scroll painting of hydrangeas attributed to Ogata Korin (1658-1716), part of the Metropolitan Museum collection.

Japanese dish with Hydrangeas decoration from the Edo period, 1615-1868, an example of Nabeshima ware. These were reserved exclusively for use as presents to members of the ruling class.

A lovely print from the British Museum, artist unidentified but of the Maruyanna school showing a blue hydrangea filled with text and poems.