The flower of the day, Chinshibai, Jun 3 2009

Good morning, everyone!

This is the flower from last week lesson called, chinshibai. It was still in the bud, but our master chose it by more handsome foliage than blossoming. I think three foliage spread in different directions with aligned leaves were beautiful. I like the well-balanced figure of buds, leaves and vase.

After the lesson, our master gave us the flower. We brought it home and placed it on the niche in our hallway. We used the vase our master gave us(^-^)

Flower of the day, May 27 2009

Hello, everyone!

This is the flower at May 27 lesson. It is called shakyaku in Japanese. I’m not sure the name in English, but it’s Paeonia lactiflora or paeoniae radix, I guess. It has a big blossom (about 10cm) and is pretty pale pink. Our master says that shakyaku is often used at tea ceremonies in this season.

Have a good day!!

Flowers for tea

How are you doing everyone?

There is an alcove in a traditional Japanese room where art or flowers are displayed. Our master prepares different flowers for each lesson. She uses seasonal flowers from her back yard. She grows some flowers for tea at her yard. My master says there is no certain rule for the flowers for tea, but usually a modest flower arrangement is preferred in The Way of Tea.

These are the flowers from the past lessons.

I like the simple flower arranging. You can try it at home casually. You don’t have to buy a bunch of colorful flowers from a shop. You just pick flower from your back yard or roadsides. I like the way how the flower for tea is enjoyed. I think the flower for tea is not enjoyed only blooms but also vines and handsome-foliage. I guess the total balance of blooms, sprigs and vase are important. I have a small space in my hallway to put a vase. I always enjoy placing little green there. How about enjoying a simple flower at your home!