LEGO Icons 10368 Chrysanthemum Review: Autumn Elegance in Brick Form

What's Included

The compact package contains 278 pieces spread across numbered bags, accompanied by a 40-page instruction booklet. The vibrant orange color palette dominates with multiple shades representing different bloom stages. Notable elements include banana pieces ingeniously repurposed as petals (comprising nearly 15% of the total parts), drum-lacquered gold elements for the pot's decorative band, and brown Unikitty tails functioning as wooden stand feet. The set captures three distinct flower stages: two buds, one blooming flower, and one in full glory.

Building Experience

The construction process proves remarkably engaging despite the modest piece count. Building begins with the ornate base featuring four brown Unikitty tails as traditional feet. The pot assembly utilizes four 5x5x3 quarter-domes mounted inverted, creating elegant curves. The gold band construction requires precision alignment for seamless appearance. Flower assembly employs black Technic pieces internally, mimicking real florists' support strips. Each bloom stage presents unique challenges, with the full flower requiring careful petal layering. The LEGO Builder app enhances the experience with 3D rotation and zoom capabilities, particularly helpful for petal positioning.

Design and Accuracy

LEGO achieves remarkable botanical accuracy through thoughtful color gradation and structural design. The multiple orange shades—from pale yellow through vibrant orange to deep red—perfectly capture chrysanthemums' natural color variations. The 26cm height creates impressive presence without overwhelming display spaces. The pastel green pot with gold accents evokes traditional Chinese ceramics, while the wooden plinth adds authentic Eastern aesthetic. Posable leaves and adjustable petals allow customization, ensuring each display feels unique. The structural integrity impresses, with secure connections preventing drooping or accidental disassembly.

Play Features

While targeting adult collectors, the set offers surprising interactivity. Posable elements allow seasonal adjustments—tighter buds for spring displays, full blooms for autumn arrangements. The lightweight construction enables easy repositioning without stability concerns. The modular design permits flower rearrangement, though not officially documented. Educational value emerges through cultural learning opportunities about the Four Gentlemen and Asian art traditions. The quick 45-60 minute build time makes it ideal for mindful building sessions or social construction with friends.

Value Analysis & Investment

At 10.8 cents per piece, the set delivers exceptional value within the Botanical Collection. Historical pricing data reveals strong market stability with EUR prices averaging €22-28 across retailers, while USD pricing maintains near-retail levels averaging $24.82. Limited promotional activity suggests confident pricing strategy. The set consistently ranks within the top 2000 LEGO products, impressive for a niche botanical offering. Investment potential appears moderate but stable—the affordable entry point limits appreciation ceiling, yet ensures consistent demand. As a parts pack, the numerous recolors and unique elements offer excellent MOC value, particularly the orange color selection rarely found elsewhere.

Editor's Verdict