Page:Japanese flower arrangement.djvu/198

 three main principles of Heaven, Man, and Earth of the blossoms.

When a plant or tree leafs out before blossoming, then the leaves must predominate in an arrangement which should have only a few blossoms, and these placed in the unimportant places.

For arrangements of leaves only, baran—or aspidistra as we call it—is much used. It can be had at all seasons and makes one of the most perfect arrangements, as the lines can be made so distinct with its long, slender leaves. They are also easily bent with the hand.

You will see that in nearly all arrangements of aspidistra one leaf is curled up. This is supposed to contain an insect. One leaf that is wormeaten or torn is considered desirable and thought to make the arrangement more natural, as there is seldom in nature a plant without one imperfect leaf.

Working with aspidistra is excellent practise for a beginner. Its leaves, being easily [192]