Essential Tools for Ikebana
When starting ikebana, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “What tools do I need?” You might worry that special equipment is required, but the basic tools are surprisingly few. With just the essentials, anyone can begin practicing ikebana right away. Here, we introduce the representative tools beginners should know about.
Vases (Kaki)
These are the containers for arranging flowers. Vases come in various shapes and materials, but broadly speaking, the two main types are “water trays” (suiban) and “standing vases.”
- Water Tray: A flat, wide-mouthed container. Suitable for arrangements like moribana that spread out horizontally.
- Standing Vase: A tall container like a jar or cylinder. Used for arrangements featuring branches or vertically growing elements.
For beginners, starting with just one water tray is sufficient. A simple-shaped container pairs well with any floral material and offers versatile applications.
Kenzan (Flower Holder)
A kenzan is a tool for securing floral materials, consisting of a base with numerous needles protruding from its underside. It is placed in the bottom of the suiban, and flower stems are inserted into the needles to stand upright. Using a kenzan stabilizes the position and angle of floral materials, greatly expanding the expressive possibilities of your arrangement. Sizes vary, but a diameter of about 7-10cm is recommended for beginners.
Flower Shears
These are specialized shears for cutting floral materials. While regular scissors or garden pruning shears can substitute, flower shears are designed to cut stems cleanly without crushing them, helping flowers last longer. Choose a size and weight that feels comfortable in your hand for ease of use.
Watering Can & Spray Bottle
Water management is crucial in ikebana to keep flowers beautiful and fresh longer. A narrow-spouted watering can for refilling the water basin and a spray bottle for misting leaves and flowers are convenient. While household versions suffice, those designed specifically for ikebana are recommended for easier handling.
Base Boards or Cloths
When displaying your arrangement, placing the vase on a base board or cloth looks more polished than setting it directly on the surface. Simple wooden boards or black cloths enhance the piece and are easy for beginners to incorporate.
Other Auxiliary Tools
Other items include flower bags for transporting arrangements, brushes for cleaning kenzan, and wire for bending branches. However, you don’t need to acquire all these right away. As you continue practicing ikebana, you can gradually acquire them as needed.
To start ikebana, the three essentials are a vase, a kenzan (flower frog), and flower shears. Beyond that, simply prepare some floral materials, and you can immediately begin exploring the world of ikebana. What matters most is not the number or luxury of your tools, but treating the flowers with care and arranging them using your own sensibility. Start casually with just the minimum tools.