TAISHO-SHOWA PERIOD (20TH CENTURY), SIGNED BIKYO KOKU AND SEALED BIKYO (KOBAYASHI BIKYO)

Chrysanthemums are emblematic of autumn and the ninth month. In early Japanese poetry they may conjure dark overtones of sadness, mortality and impermanence. But there is also the opposite side of the coin—brilliant colors and the elixir of immortality associated with chrysanthemum wine. This seasonal drink is said to have wholesome effects on sharpness of the eye, alleviation of headache, drop of hypertension and weight reduction, thus contributing to longevity. An age-old tradition in China is to climb to a high place on the ninth day of the ninth month, or the Double Ninth, to eat and drink with family and friends and enjoy the autumn scenery, especially chrysanthemums. Drinking chrysanthemum wine on the Double Ninth is said to promote good health and prolong life.