I have had this book on the art of flower arranging for the tea ceremony for years and have just cracked it open and have begun reading it. A wonderfully simple book about the history of this form of aestheticism of wabi.
As I have just started to explore my knowledge in this art I know a few things. Every month there was a suitable arrangement for the ceremony and February was considered the first month of spring in the calendar. There were flowers that were and absolutely not appropriate for the piece.
I have decided to reference the book for each month with the respected illustrations and adapt it to my own aesthetic and create something inspired by that for a full year.
So it explains though February is technically the beginning of spring flowers are still rare due to the cold temperatures, which I too found difficult so had to be resourceful.
The arrangement illustrated is that of sanshu or what I believe to take as cornus mas, and a single camellia bloom which is a more southern zone hardy plant, neither on I have in my gardens. Both elegantly displayed in an Korean eared pot, on a black-lacquered board.
So I had to improvise on my own using what I had available. I put a forced white quince branch with the leaves of begonia rex 'River Nile' (one of my favorites by the way) in a green glazed pot I made well over 10 years ago, stamped with a Chinese chop I made. All placed in a window sill on an wooden deck protector for potted plants.
I really had fun doing this and looking forward to 11 months more. I think it would be great if you wanted to all follow me and create your monthly chabana as well, perhaps even all have a tea ceremony together somewhere and all bring a chabana we created for it. If you do feel inspired just take a walk outside and be creative with the materials. Feel free to post your photos on are Facebook page. Happy Leap Year!
