What Is An Ikebana Vase (And Why You Need One For Your Floral Arrangements)

Looking for a new way to arrange your flowers? You may want to check out ikebana vases. If you're tired of just plopping your bouquet into a tall vase and instead crave something a little more thoughtful and creative, then this alternative may be right for you. Ikebana vases are part of a traditional Japanese art form from the 1300s, where the artist carefully selects and arranges blooms to convey a feeling or vision, much like how one would with a paintbrush on canvas. Because of this, they're usually limited to only using up to 13 blooms, depending on what kind of vase you choose. Rather than having one big hole in the opening, the short and squat ikebana vase has something called a flower frog in its center, allowing you to display 5 to 13 upright stems. 

This allows you to artfully arrange the chosen flowers, be intentional with your choices, and — since there isn't an abundance of stems competing for your attention — appreciate those on display more. In fact, choosing the flowers is part of the art form. You should take special care to select foliage and blooms that speak to you. The bouquet stands up straight because it's inserted into a flower frog, which is a shallow device with upright pins in it, allowing you to pierce the bottom of the stems and hold them in place. Some types also simply have holes in them instead, which each of the stems are placed into. Want to create your own ikebana-inspired bouquets? Here are some vase options to consider. 

You need ikebana-inspired vases for your collection because they allow you to become artful with your flowers in a way that a normal vase doesn't. The practice makes you slow down and appreciate the blooms you're using, and when you've completed your arrangement, the flowers will be on display in an intentional way. Furthermore, keep in mind that the goal is not to hide the flower frog but rather to use it as part of the decorative piece. Therefore, don't overload the item with too many stems. If you're interested in decorating your home with flowers, then there are loads of different ikebana-inspired vases you can choose from.

If you want an inexpensive and minimalist vase to start off, then consider Eggone's Japanese Ikebana Vase Kit. For just $17, this item includes a simple, shallow black vase, a flower frog, and a straightening tool to help you position the stems. On the other hand, if you would like something more artful and design-conscious, consider Eggone's Pebble Shaped Arrangement Bowl for about $23, which is an oval shape with an off-center opening for the flower frog. However, if you prefer something earthier and more true to Japandi-style, try Funky Rock Designs' Stone Ikebana Vase for $43. This piece has a stone-like texture and looks like a rock.