CHAPTER FOURTEEN 

 ASHIRAI 



ONE of the loveliest features in flower 

 arrangement is known as Ashirai; 

 it is also one of the most difficult to 

 master. It is the placing at the base of the 

 arrangement a flower of a different variety 

 from that used in the main arrangement. 



A flower is frequently arranged in this way 

 at the base of a tree arrangement, simulat- 

 ing a flower springing up at the root of a 

 tree. I give here an example of forsythia 

 arranged with an Ashirai of camelia. 



The Ashirai should be placed slightly to 

 one side or a trifle behind the main arrange- 

 ment. By no means must it cross the main 

 arrangement in front, by any of its leaves, 

 flowers, or branches. The Ashirai and the main 

 arrangement should be separate and distinct, 

 each perfect and complete without the other. 



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