Japan 50 yen chrysanthemum pendant

Chrysanthemum is the national flower of Japan, and the circle at the centre has an extra meaning. In Japanese culture, the circle—especially in the form of the ensō (円相) —holds deep symbolic meaning. It’s a sacred symbol in Zen Buddhism, often drawn in a single, fluid brushstroke as a meditative practice. The ensō represents enlightenment, the universe, and the void, as well as the beauty of imperfection and the acceptance of transience. An open circle can suggest openness and development, while a closed one may symbolize completeness and unity. It’s also seen as a reflection of the artist’s state of mind at the moment of creation—raw, honest, and unrepeatable. It’s a minimalist symbol, yet it speaks volumes about wholeness, simplicity, and the cyclical nature of life. Some even interpret it as a visual expression of the Zen concept that “form is emptiness, and emptiness is form.