Page:Japanese flower arrangement.djvu/165



NE of the loveliest features in flower arrangement is known as Ashirai; it is also one of the most difficult to master. It is the placing at the base of the arrangement a flower of a different variety from that used in the main arrangement.

A flower is frequently arranged in this way at the base of a tree arrangement, simulating a flower springing up at the root of a tree. I give here an example of forsythia arranged with an Ashirai of camelia.

The Ashirai should be placed slightly to one side or a trifle behind the main arrangement. By no means must it cross the main arrangement in front, by any of its leaves, flowers, or branches. The Ashirai and the main arrangement should be separate and distinct, each perfect and complete without the other. [159]