Traditional Chinese Flower Arrangements Fixing Flower Branches

Kensan, a flower-arranging aid that arranges a large number of thick pins on a rectangular or round metal plate, is generally small and flat. The history of the use of the kendama is not very long, having been developed only during the Meiji era (1868 AD to 1912 AD) when Morihana was popular.

So, how did flower doctors fix flower branches before the appearance of kendama?

1. Leaf bundles

In the old days, when making tachibana, straws were tightly bundled together and cut to a specific length, called "leaf bundles"; then they were placed in flower containers to hold them in place, and then the flower branches were inserted into the gaps between the straws. Nowadays, we have developed "leaf bundles" made of synthetic resin. In addition to the "leaf bouquet," fine sand and small stones can be used to secure the flowers.

Floral clay (also known as water-absorbent foam), which is often used in Western flower arrangements, is also often used in flower arrangements, and is based on the same idea as the leaf bouquet. Tips for using flower paste

2. Matchwood/wood

When making a flower arrangement in a cylindrical vase, use a "matchwood" that matches the inner diameter, i.e., a "Y"-shaped branch that is fixed a little lower down in the mouth of the vase. After that, a flower branch is inserted into the "V" part of the branch. For this reason, the branch used for fixing is also called a "fork". In order to fix the branch more firmly, the adjustment of the cut and the angle of the branch are particularly demanding and require special skill.

3. Hana-ryu

The props used for fixing the flowers, such as the kendama, the leaf bundles, and the koki, are collectively known as hana-ryu. In the Ikibana Hayomanafuri, there are records of such items as "crab," "rabbit," "nijiki carp," "dragon," "kanseisui," and "kanjisui," which are used to secure flowers. There are various types of hanabi, such as "crab," "rabbit," "two-fold carp," "dragon," "kanzui," "anchorage," and "gode. They are usually made of metal and are used for flat flower vessels. Flowering stays are the result of the endless efforts and rich wisdom of ancient craftsmen, and they are not only used to hold flower branches, but also have beautiful qualities that can be appreciated in their own right.

The use of the yakisoba hanabi to hold flower branches in place is said to have been inspired by the yakisoba, which is a twist of herbs that are crushed into powder. The wooden flower buds are pre-positioned in flower containers and swell with water, making it easy to hold large flower branches in place

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