The Art of Tea Flower Arranging
There is something a bit magical about Kinka. Kinka is a petite flower shop located in midtown NYC, set up by the window front as one walks into the Maki Kosaka restaurant.
The meaning behind the name of this flower shop is interesting. Kinka translates to “forbidden flower” in Japanese, representing the flowers with unpleasant names or strong odors that are traditionally excluded from floral arrangements. Chabana (茶花) – which literally translates to “tea flowers” – refers to the Japanese art of flower arranging (Ikebana), but specifically for tea ceremonies. Therefore, it is ironic that a flower shop with the name of Kinka regularly puts on chabana workshops, as kinka flowers are especially never to be used for chabana arrangements.
There are a few subtleties to know about chabana arrangements. For one, tea flower arrangements mean simplicity and minimalism (typically with up to seven flowers) and should never overbear in its presence or fragrance. Generally, chabana flowers have little to no scent, as these flowers serve the purpose of enhancing the tea ritual experience. For example, lilies are not to be used in a chabana arrangement because they are too colorful and strong in scent, and may disrupt the peace that comes with a tea ceremony. Instead, gently arranged branches and wildflowers found on a stroll can kindle feelings of connection to nature.
In other words, the chabana arrangement and tea ritual are not to be at odds against one another. Both elements must work in harmony as compliments.
Embracing the Beauty of Imperfection
Chabana arranging can be a wonderful pastime for when seasons change. As nature goes through its phases, a great sense of appreciation can be felt from the various offerings in a given moment in time, especially from flowers. In this way, nature commands us by providing only a select number flowers distinguished from other seasons.
Nature’s Gifts
At the start of the class, the tea master presented the flowers of the season and gave each person an exquisite bouquet of these unrefined flowers. She also shared that there are three main types of flower arranging in terms of formality: “Shin”, “Gyo”, and “So”. She compared these, respectively, to the likes of standing, walking, and running – formal, semi-formal, and casual.
Keegan
When it comes to the actual pruning, the tea master also reminded the class to always hold up the flowers when designing the arrangement without putting them into the vessel. Like Jackson Pollock, the act of arranging should be done in the air and the flowers should be held by one hand and cut by the other.
Much of arranging comes down to self-expression, and reflecting upon oneself.
Towards the end of the workshop, everyone enjoyed cookies and matcha whisked by the tea master – a lovely aroma to accompany the sweets and the perfect ending to a great class.
Kinka offers different events, including workshops, every month and can be found here.
Words and visuals by Josephine Choe.