Introduction to the basic tools you need to have if you want to do ikebana

To do ikebana, you will need special tools for ikebana, not the same tools you normally use at home. In this article, we will introduce the minimum tools you should have if you are going to start ikebana and where you can purchase them.

Those who are starting ikebana for the first time or attending ikebana classes need to start with the necessary tools for ikebana. At a minimum, the following three tools are required for ikebana.

Hana shears are scissors specially designed for cutting flowers. They are sharper than ordinary scissors, so they can cut beautifully without crushing the stems. Flower scissors are divided into two types depending on the shape of the handle: "vine hand," which is ring-shaped, and "warabi-te," which is shaped like a wild vegetable straw. They range in price from inexpensive to very expensive, but there is no need to use expensive flower scissors from within the beginner's class.

Stainless steel or steel is the most commonly used material for flower shears. Stainless steel is rust-resistant and easy to clean. Steel can rust due to moisture and requires frequent care, but it has the advantage of being easy to use with all kinds of plants and trees.

Flower vases are used for arranging flowers and plants. Vases come in a wide variety of shapes, including flat vases called suiban, jars, and deep bowls. Vase materials include ceramics, glass, natural materials such as bamboo and wood, acrylic, and stainless steel. While vases with eccentric designs are sometimes used in ikebana, beginners are advised to choose a simple vase to start with.

Flower holders are tools used to hold flowers in place in a vase. The most popular flower holder is the kenzan, which has needles arranged in an upward direction. Other flower holders, such as glue and wire, are also used in some styles where flowers are arranged freely. Most kenzan used to be made of metal, but now there are an increasing number of easy-to-handle flower holders such as cutting kenzan, which can be cut to any size, and plastic kenzan. In addition to these three items, if you attend ikebana lessons, it is also convenient to have a "hana bukuro" (flower bag) to carry home the used flowers.

Many people may not have seen the tools used in ikebana in their daily lives. The tools needed for ikebana can be purchased at stores specializing in ikebana tools or at online stores that sell ikebana tools. Each school of ikebana has its own online store, and some schools even have their own authorized ikebana tool stores, so it is a good idea to check with your instructor if you are a student of the school.

Although not as well stocked as specialty stores, gardening stores, handicraft stores, and home centers may also carry flower arrangement tools. Surprisingly, tea ceremony utensil stores may also sell kado equipment, so check if there is a tea ceremony utensil store in your neighborhood.

There are three basic types of tools for ikebana, but each tool has many variations. Check the price range and ease of use, and choose tools that are easy to use and enjoy ikebana.