What are the characteristics of Chinese flower arrangement

Chinese Flower Path is characterized by the use of a small amount of flowers, a four-dimensional, linear composition. Hanamichi refers to the method and technique of appropriately intercepting the branches, leaves and flowers of trees and plants and artfully inserting them into vases and other floral vessels. Flower path is one of the essences of traditional Chinese culture. One of the major characteristics of the traditional Chinese artistic style of flower arrangement is that it originates from nature and is higher than nature. In traditional flower arranging, the first principle is to take nature as the highest criterion, and everything is based on natural beauty as the best artistic pursuit and expression. The works of flower arrangement we do are always centered on the premise of nature.

The origin of flower arrangement can be viewed from both ornamental and religious perspectives. According to literature, there are records of indoor cherry blossom arrangements from the Heian period. In the fourteenth century, in the early Muromachi period, there are records of flower parties. The hanami is a recreational gathering in which nobles, monks, and other dignitaries are divided into two groups and put out their own flower arrangements, which are judged to be superior or inferior, and compete. In addition to the evaluation of flowers, the use of rare floral objects was also a matter of interest to the public. In the fifteenth century, these gatherings became public exhibitions, and can be said to be the prototype of the Japanese flower arrangement exhibitions.

With the introduction of Buddhism came the custom of offering flowers. In the Kamakura period, there were five items called Gokubutsu, which were used as decorations in front of the Buddha, including an incense burner, a pair of wax stands, and a pair of vases. In the Muromachi period, the number was shortened to three and called Sangokubutsu, which were an incense burner, a wax stand, and a vase. In the ancient times, this vase was placed squarely in the three flowers representing Buddhism, monks, "Sanzun style" This flower offering was gradually separated from religion, became an indoor decoration, and developed into a standing flower.