小菊
こ
ぎ
く
Meanings
1
small chrysanthemum
Refers to a chrysanthemum flower that is small in size, or a variety with small blooms.
Many small chrysanthemums are blooming in the garden.
2
small piece of Japanese paper; low-grade Japanese paper
A small, inexpensive sheet of traditional Japanese paper, often used as a kettle rest, tissue, or for other practical purposes.
In tea ceremony, a small piece of Japanese paper is sometimes used as a rest for the kettle.
3
paper tip (red-light district)
archaic
Archaic term for a piece of paper given as a gratuity in a red-light district, which could later be exchanged for money. See also 紙纏頭.
See also: 紙花
In the red-light districts of the Edo period, there was a custom of customers giving paper tips called 小菊.