The Oriental Influence

Although Japanese flower arranging is easily distinguished from the art as it is practiced in China, it got its start from Chinese Buddhist missionaries. China has been called the Mother of Gardens because of the long history of flower gardening in Chinese culture. To understand how cut flowers have historically been viewed in China, and later in Japan, it is helpful to attune yourself to some basic philosophies that are of Chinese art. Simplicity is always important. One single thing, a flower or a tree or a pond, is worthy of study and appreciation. The purity of this concept, a Chinese flower arranger would work with a single type of flower, and use a few blossoms or leaves to represent the plant. Seasonal flowers cherished in Chinese history include peach and peony (sprin), lotus (summer), chrysanthemum (fall) and pine, and bamboo and plum (winter).

Religion influenced the development of gardening in China as it did in Europe, but in a different way. The historical religion of China is Buddhism, which teaches that all life is sacred and worthy of conservation. So, rather than growing flowers to be cut, flowers were more likely to be appreciated in a garden setting. Chrysanhemums and other flowers that could be grown in pots were moved about as their blooms reached perfection, so that they could be studied and appreciated indoors or out. Branches that could be pruned as a part of enhancing the life of a tree, such as those from peach, pear, and plum, have long been basic materials in the Chinese flower arranger's art.