Page:Japanese flower arrangement.djvu/41



HE theory of this art, for so the Japanese consider it, is not only interesting but is as helpful in producing the beautiful results as the few flexible rules; and the theory is as inseparable from these rules as the early history of Japan is from its mythology. Religion also contributes to this theory. Since flower arrangement entered Japan from China with Buddhism, it naturally was imbued with Chinese and Buddhist philosophy. The Buddhist desire to preserve life lies at the root of the whole subject and has created most of the rules of flower arrangement, controlling also the shapes of the flower vases, which are so formed as to help to prolong the life of the flowers. So much thought and time would never have [35]