JAPANESE FLOWER ARRANGEMENT 



three main principles of Heaven, Man, and 

 Earth of the blossoms. 



When a plant or tree leafs out before blos- 

 soming, then the leaves must predominate 

 in an arrangement which should have only 

 a few blossoms, and these placed in the 

 unimportant places. 



For arrangements of leaves only, baran — 

 or aspidistra as we call it — is much used. 

 It can be had at all seasons and makes one 

 of the most perfect arrangements, as the 

 lines can be made so distinct with its long, 

 slender leaves. They are also easily bent 

 with the hand. 



You will see that in nearly all arrange- 

 ments of aspidistra one leaf is curled up. 

 This is supposed to contain an insect. One 

 leaf that is wormeaten or torn is consid- 

 ered desirable and thought to make the 

 arrangement more natural, as there is seldom 

 in nature a plant without one imperfect 

 leaf. 



Working with aspidistra is excellent prac- 

 tise for a beginner. Its leaves, being easily 



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