Chrysanthemum Tattoo: Meaning and 10 Beautiful Japanese Designs
A chrysanthemum tattoo is a flower design full of history. In Japan the chrysanthemum, called kiku, is the symbol of the imperial family and one of the most loved flowers in traditional tattoo art. In the US, it is also the November birth flower, which makes a chrysanthemum tattoo a meaningful choice for a birthday or a child.
This guide explains the chrysanthemum tattoo meaning in different cultures and colors, then shows 10 beautiful chrysanthemum tattoo designs on the skin, from bold Japanese irezumi to tiny fine line flowers, with tips on placement, pain and cost.
Table of Contents
Chrysanthemum Tattoo Meaning
The chrysanthemum stands for long life, joy, honesty and loyalty. Its many layered petals open slowly in autumn, when most other flowers fade, so it also became a symbol of strength and late blooming. These are the most common meanings of a chrysanthemum tattoo:
- Long life: in China and Japan the flower is linked to health and old age.
- Perfection and nobility: the evenly spaced petals look like the rays of the sun.
- Joy and optimism: bright yellow and orange flowers in the cold season.
- Loyalty and honesty: a common meaning in Western flower language.
- Remembrance: in parts of Europe and Asia, chrysanthemums are placed on graves to honor the dead.
The Japanese Chrysanthemum: Kiku
In Japan the chrysanthemum is so important that the imperial seal is a 16 petal chrysanthemum, and the throne is called the Chrysanthemum Throne. The flower has its own festival, and kiku appear in kimono patterns, coins and passports. In traditional Japanese tattoos, the chrysanthemum is one of the main flowers along with the peony and the cherry blossom.
A Japanese chrysanthemum tattoo is usually large, with bold black outlines, strong color and wind bars or water in the background. It often stands for perfection, determination and a noble character. Because it is drawn in many layers, it fills space well in sleeves and back pieces. See our Japanese tattoo ideas guide for other classic motifs.
Chrysanthemum Colors and Their Meanings
- Red: love and passion.
- Yellow: joy and friendship, though in some traditions it can mean slighted love.
- White: honesty, purity and loyalty; also used for mourning in parts of Asia and Europe.
- Purple: wishes of well being and dignity.
- Orange: energy, warmth and enthusiasm.
- Black and grey: a timeless look that keeps the focus on the shape of the petals.
The November Birth Flower
The chrysanthemum is the birth flower for November, so a chrysanthemum tattoo is a popular way to celebrate a November birthday or a family member born in that month. A small chrysanthemum can be combined with other birth flowers in a family bouquet. Our birth flower tattoo guide lists the flower for every month.
10 Chrysanthemum Tattoo Designs
Each image below is a design mockup that shows how the chrysanthemum tattoo idea can look on the skin, so you can picture size and placement before you visit your artist.
1. Traditional Japanese Chrysanthemum
The traditional Japanese chrysanthemum, or kiku, is one of the four noble flowers of irezumi. Bold outlines and solid color keep it readable for decades. See our Japanese tattoo ideas guide. Shown here on the upper arm.
2. Fine Line Chrysanthemum
A fine line chrysanthemum tattoo is soft and minimal, perfect for a first tattoo. Keep the petals a little larger than you think so the lines do not blur together. Shown here on the inner forearm.
3. November Birth Flower Chrysanthemum
The chrysanthemum is the November birth flower, so many people get it for their own birthday or for a child born in November. See our birth flower tattoo guide for every month. Shown here on the wrist.
4. Chrysanthemum and Peony Combination
Pairing a chrysanthemum with a peony mixes long life with good fortune, a classic Japanese combination. Read our peony tattoo guide. Shown here on the shoulder.
5. Black and Grey Chrysanthemum
Black and grey gives a chrysanthemum tattoo a moody, elegant look and ages well on every skin tone. Shown here on the outer forearm.
6. Chrysanthemum With Koi Fish
Koi and chrysanthemums often appear together in Japanese sleeves. The koi stands for perseverance and the flower for a long, noble life. Shown here on the upper arm.
7. Watercolor Chrysanthemum
Watercolor makes a chrysanthemum tattoo feel light and painterly. Ask for thin outlines so the colors keep their shape as they age. Shown here on the shoulder blade.
8. Chrysanthemum and Skull
In Japan and much of Europe, the chrysanthemum is also a flower of remembrance. Paired with a skull, it becomes a memento mori about life and loss. See our skull tattoo guide. Shown here on the calf.
9. Small Red Chrysanthemum
A small red chrysanthemum tattoo on the ankle is subtle and cheerful. In flower language, red chrysanthemums stand for love. Shown here on the ankle.
10. Chrysanthemum Spine Piece
A vertical line of chrysanthemums follows the spine for an elegant, feminine piece. See our spine tattoos for women guide. Shown here on the spine.
Best Placements for a Chrysanthemum Tattoo
- Upper arm and shoulder: the classic spot for a bold Japanese kiku.
- Forearm: fine line and black and grey chrysanthemums.
- Wrist and ankle: small birth flower designs.
- Spine and shoulder blade: long, elegant floral pieces.
- Back and sleeve: large Japanese compositions with koi, wind bars and waves.
Compare more spots in our tattoo placement guide.
Choosing a Style
A chrysanthemum tattoo works in almost any style. Traditional Japanese is bold and built to last. Fine line is soft and minimal, but it needs a little more size to keep the many petals readable. Black and grey realism shows every curl of the petals, while watercolor feels light and artistic. Neo traditional uses thick outlines with richer color and works well with skulls, animals and lettering. Read our tattoo styles guide to compare them.
Does a Chrysanthemum Tattoo Hurt?
Pain depends on the spot more than the flower. The upper arm, outer forearm and calf are among the easier areas, around 3 to 5 out of 10 for most people. The wrist, ankle and spine are bonier and more sensitive. See our tattoo pain chart for every placement.
Chrysanthemum Tattoo Cost and Aftercare
In the US, a small fine line chrysanthemum tattoo usually costs $80 to $180 because of shop minimums. A palm sized color piece usually costs $200 to $500, and a Japanese chrysanthemum half sleeve can cost $1,000 to $3,000 over several sessions. See our tattoo cost guide.
Keep the new tattoo clean, moisturize lightly and keep it out of the sun while it heals. Follow our tattoo aftercare steps, and read the US Food and Drug Administration page on tattoo safety before you book.
Tips for Your Chrysanthemum Tattoo
- Give the petals room: many tiny petals blur over time, so go a little bigger.
- Pick your meaning: choose the color that matches what you want to say.
- Think about the future: a Japanese kiku can grow into a sleeve later.
- Find the right artist: look for a portfolio with Japanese or floral work.
- Use sunscreen: red and yellow inks fade fastest in the sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a chrysanthemum tattoo mean?
A chrysanthemum tattoo usually means long life, joy, loyalty and honesty. In Japan it also stands for perfection and nobility.
What does a Japanese chrysanthemum tattoo mean?
In Japanese tattoos the kiku stands for perfection, determination and a long, noble life. It is linked to the imperial family.
Is the chrysanthemum the November birth flower?
Yes. The chrysanthemum is the birth flower for November, which makes it a popular birthday tattoo.
Is a chrysanthemum tattoo a symbol of death?
In some countries chrysanthemums are funeral flowers, so the tattoo can honor a loved one. In most tattoo traditions it is a positive symbol of life and joy.
Are the tattoos in these photos real?
No. The images are design mockups created to show how each chrysanthemum tattoo idea can look on the skin. Use them as inspiration and ask your artist for a custom version.
About These Images
The images in this guide are digitally created design mockups, not photos of real clients. They show how each chrysanthemum tattoo idea could look on the skin. Use them as inspiration and let a licensed artist adapt the design for you. For more flower ideas, see our birth flower tattoo and peony tattoo guides.
