The Timeless Elegance: Exploring the History of White Peonies in Asia
- Yana Evans
- Jun 2
- 4 min read
A Quiet Bloom with a Powerful Story of Grace and Strength
Peonies—the “King of Flowers” in China—are no strangers to power and beauty. But the white peony? It’s something quieter, something deeper. It whispers of purity, of spirit untouched and character forged in silent strength. In the delicate folds of its petals lies a story of grace that commands respect without shouting for attention.
In the halls of ancient China, among the scholars and nobles, white peonies were more than flowers. They were symbols—emblems of an unblemished soul, a heart steadfast and true. Poets traced their longing and unspoken love through verses painted with the soft hue of these blooms. The Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi once wrote, “White peonies bloom like snow at dusk, pure as the longing in a silent heart,” capturing the delicate balance between beauty and yearning. Another verse by Li Shangyin evokes the quiet sorrow of white peonies: “Amidst the garden’s pale glow, white petals fall like tears, mourning loves that cannot return.”
白牡丹 白牡丹，花含露， 高潔素心表。 清香隨風遠， 傲立雪中俏。 | White Peony White peony, flower holding dew, Displays a noble and pure heart. Its fragrance drifts far with the wind, Proudly standing fair in the snow. |
Yet, the white peony bore another weight: the solemnity of mourning. In a land where white draped sorrow, it became a sacred symbol of dignified grief and quiet remembrance. Even Empress Wu Zetian, fierce and formidable, wrapped her courts in white peonies, planting entire courtyards to weave harmony between earth and spirit.
The flower’s journey crossed seas to Japan in the 8th century, where it found new homes in gardens and the brushstrokes of artists. Here, the white peony carried a different song—one of modest beauty, resilience hidden beneath gentle petals. In the sacred spaces of Shinto and Buddhist traditions, it stood as a symbol of spiritual peace, a delicate balance between the seen and unseen. Brides wore it on their kimonos, embodying purity laced with quiet strength. And as spring waned, when the white peony bloomed, it whispered of change—fleeting moments, the bittersweet dance of life’s impermanence.
In Korea, the white peony did not shout, but it was never silent. Painted in the delicate strokes of Joseon-era artists, it stood for virtue, for honor held close to the heart. White in Korean tradition—truth, mourning, simplicity—wrapped the peony in a cloak of sincerity, a quiet celebration of refined femininity.
Across these lands—China, Japan, Korea—the white peony is a thread woven through centuries, binding purity with sorrow, strength with grace. It is a flower that holds stories in its petals, stories that speak softly but echo endlessly.
White Peonies in Asian Art History: Symbols of Purity, Strength, and Grace
In ancient China, white peonies held a special place not only in gardens but also in art and ritual. Ink brush painters, masters of subtlety and expression, often captured white peonies to convey inner refinement and moral purity. One famous example is the Song dynasty artist Zhao Mengfu, whose delicate peony paintings highlight the flower’s elegance and grace. Beyond the canvas, white peonies were a popular motif on blue-and-white porcelain—such as the exquisite Ming dynasty vases—that symbolizes purity and nobility. In funerary traditions, white peony imagery frequently appeared on grave offerings, serving as a symbol of remembrance and spiritual peace for the departed, a visual prayer for their tranquil rest.
In Japan, the white peony’s influence blossomed within traditional Nihonga painting, where it often appeared alongside symbols like butterflies or flowing water, elements representing transformation and life's flow. A notable example is the work of Meiji-era artist Yokoyama Taikan, who incorporated peonies into landscapes that evoke a serene, meditative mood. Beyond paintings, white peonies became a favored motif in Japanese tattoos, representing quiet strength, loyalty, and resilience—values deeply respected in samurai culture. Tea ceremony gardens, such as those at Kyoto’s Nanzen-ji Temple, often feature white peonies, chosen for their tranquil beauty that complements the ritual’s spirit of harmony and mindfulness.
In Korea, white peonies appear prominently in folk paintings known as minhwa, which often decorated home altars to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune. These vibrant works, like those from the late Joseon period, use white peonies to symbolize purity and protection. Moreover, white peonies were embroidered onto royal court costumes and ritual garments, especially during important life events like weddings and memorial ceremonies. For instance, the intricate hanbok worn during Joseon dynasty weddings frequently featured peony patterns to bless the bride with virtue and grace, underscoring the flower’s role as a symbol of sincerity and refined femininity.
Across East Asia, white peonies have transcended mere decoration to become enduring cultural icons. Through art, ritual, and daily life, they embody a rich tapestry of meanings—purity, strength, remembrance—that continue to inspire and captivate.
Peonies Pilgrimage through China, South Korea and Japan
If you’re up for a little adventure, exploring the history of white peonies in Asia is a perfect way to discover some amazing spots across the continent. From peaceful temple gardens in Japan to imperial parks in China and serene places in Korea, these blooms bring spring to life with their quiet beauty. So grab your camera, get ready to wander, and let’s uncover the best places to see white peonies across China, Japan, and Korea!
China
Luoyang National Peony Garden in Henan is the most famous destination. Visit in April–May during the Peony Festival for endless fields of white and cream-colored peonies.
Beijing Botanical Garden and Jingshan Park also feature curated peony sections, especially in spring.
Visit the Palace Museum (Forbidden City) to see peonies on ancient ceramics, textiles, and murals.
The Luoyang Peony Festival tends to draw big crowds, so it’s best to arrive early to enjoy the blooms in peace. Don’t forget sun protection, and take time to browse the local stalls selling peony-themed teas and keepsakes.
South Korea
The National Museum of Korea holds paintings and embroidered robes with white peony motifs.
Jirisan Herb Valley grows wild peonies in spring—worth the hike for nature lovers.
Japan
Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden in Tokyo is major seasonal destination with winter and spring peony exhibitions, including white varieties.
Hase-dera Temple in Nara hold annual Peony Festival from late April to early May showcasing 150 varieties of peonies.
Adachi Museum of Art in Shimane and their stunning gardens feature white peonies in curated seasonal displays, blending nature with art.
