Ikebana Tools for Beginners – Scissors, Kenzan & Vase | Oraqua Tokyo Ikebana Studio
- いけばな教室 おおら花
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Introduction
When starting ikebana, Japan’s traditional art of flower arrangement, the three essential tools you’ll need are flower scissors (hanabasami), a kenzan (metal flower holder), and a vase (kaki).
These are the fundamental tools used across all ikebana schools. They may look simple, but how you handle them greatly affects both the longevity of your flowers and the overall impression of your work.
The scissors act as “the hands that face the flowers”, the kenzan as “the axis that supports the structure”, and the vase as “the space that embraces the composition.”
In ikebana, how you use these three tools determines the quality and harmony of your creation.
At Oraqua Ikebana Studio in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, you can learn how to properly use these tools through our Trial Lessons and Beginner Courses.All the scissors, kenzan, and vases used during lessons are also available for purchase directly from the studio — so even complete beginners can easily prepare a full ikebana set.
What You’ll Learn in This Article
The three essential ikebana tools:
・Scissors
・Kenzan
・Vase
・How Oraqua teaches ikebana and tool handling
・Summary1. Flower Scissors (Hanabasami)
Role of the Scissors
Flower scissors are used to trim and shape your plant materials.
Unlike regular household scissors, they are designed to cut without crushing the plant’s water-conducting vessels, allowing the flowers to absorb water efficiently and stay fresh longer.
Deciding where to cut and what to leave directly shapes the structure of your arrangement.
One of ikebana’s joys lies in refining — and often reducing — materials to reveal their essential beauty.
In this sense, the scissors represent “the starting point of composition.”
How to Choose
Material: Iron scissors provide a sharp, precise cut and work well for thick branches. Stainless steel is lighter and more rust-resistant.
Size and Comfort: Choose a pair that fits comfortably in your hand and can be used without strain.
Price Range: Handmade or factory-made models vary widely, but good-quality scissors around ¥5,000 (≈ $35 USD) are suitable for long-term use.
Basic Techniques
Cut stems diagonally at about a 45-degree angle to improve water absorption.
Before arranging, perform a “mizugiri” — trimming the stem again underwater to refresh the cut surface.
After use, wipe the blades clean and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust.
2. Kenzan (Metal Flower Holder)
Role of the Kenzan
The kenzan is a metal base that holds and stabilizes the flowers.
Beyond support, it serves as the foundation of spatial composition — adjusting the angle, height, and direction of stems creates rhythm, depth, and movement within the work.
How to Choose
Size: A diameter of about 10–15 cm suits most arrangements. Match the size to your vase.
Pin Density: Wider spacing works well for thick branches; denser pins suit delicate flowers.
Stability: A kenzan with a rubber base prevents slipping inside the vase.
Basic Techniques
Place the kenzan at the bottom of the vase and fill with water until the pins are just submerged.
Insert the cut stem firmly into the pins at a diagonal angle for better grip.
When inserting, start vertically and then gently tilt toward the intended direction — the stem will hold more securely.
Care
After use, rinse thoroughly and remove any plant debris between the pins.
If pins become bent, straighten them carefully using a small tool. Proper care keeps a kenzan functional for many years.
3. Vase (Kaki)
Role of the Vase
The vase defines the structure and atmosphere of an ikebana work.
Its shape, color, and material influence how the flowers are perceived — even the same plant can look entirely different in a different vessel.
The vase is not merely a container but a spatial frame that unites the flowers, water, and surrounding air into a single composition.
How to Choose
Material: Ceramic creates a warm, traditional feeling; glass adds transparency and a modern tone; metal offers strength and contemporary elegance.(Even among ceramics, the firing method changes the texture and character.)
Shape: Wide-mouth, shallow vases suit freestyle ikebana; deep cylindrical vases are used for nageire (upright) or rikka/seika styles.
Color: Beginners should choose neutral tones — black, white, or gray — to highlight the natural colors of the flowers.
Care
Rinse with lukewarm water after each use to prevent mineral buildup.
Dry ceramic vases naturally, and polish glass ones gently with a soft cloth to keep them clear and lustrous.
Learning About Tools at Oraqua Ikebana Studio
At Oraqua, students learn not only the shapes and styles of ikebana but also the proper handling, maintenance, and philosophy of tools.
Through repeated practice — cutting at the right angle, placing the kenzan precisely, choosing a vase that matches the theme — you naturally develop the sensitivity required to “face the flowers.”
All scissors, kenzan, and vases used in class are available for purchase or order directly from the studio, and instructors provide ongoing guidance on maintenance.
By finding tools that fit your hands and style, you can continue enjoying ikebana as part of your daily life — a core value of Oraqua’s teaching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What do I need to start ikebana?
A. The three essentials are scissors, a kenzan, and a vase. At Oraqua, you can purchase everything you need during your Trial Lesson or Beginner Course.
Q2. I’m not sure which tools to buy.
A. During lessons, you can try different tools while the instructor explains which type suits your flowers and arrangement style.
Q3. Can I use these tools at home?
A. Yes. With basic care — wiping the blades, drying the kenzan, and cleaning the vase — they can last for many years.
Q4. Can foreigners or total beginners participate?
A. Absolutely. Classes are conducted in friendly English, and the instructions are easy to follow for all experience levels.
Summary
Once you have your scissors, kenzan, and vase, you have everything you need to begin ikebana.
When handled correctly, your flowers last longer, your compositions gain structure, and your sense of harmony sharpens.
Learning to care for your tools is also a way to cultivate respect for the flowers themselves.
At Oraqua, you can experience all of this — learning, creating, and even purchasing your own set — in one welcoming environment.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a continuing student, we invite you to explore the quiet beauty of ikebana with us.
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