This compact, heavy-duty kenzan is a dependable workhorse for everyday ikebana. Measuring 3.75 inches long and 1-5/8 inches wide, and weighing 3/4 of a pound, it provides excellent stability

Dense, sharp pins hold stems securely in place, making it easy to achieve clean lines, precise angles, and confident placements. It's heavy weight offers strong support for branches, flowers, and greens.

Perfect for One-Row Form which uses a long narrow container. Small enough to tuck into your kit, strong enough to do the real work. Quietly reliable.

The kenzan, also known as a 'pin holder' or 'spiky frog,' was first used around the late Meiji or early Taisho era (circa 1910AD). The exact inventor of the kenzan remains unknown, though many have claimed its invention. This tool revolutionized the art of Ikebana by providing a more flexible and stable method for arranging flowers. The name ‘kenzan’ translates to 'sword mountain.'

Description and Use

A kenzan consists of a heavy metal base embedded with numerous sharp, upright pins. The weight of the base ensures stability, while the pins allow for the secure placement of flower stems. This tool is particularly advantageous for creating naturalistic and free-flowing arrangements, as it offers flexibility in positioning stems at various angles and heights.

To use the kenzan, the stems of the flowers are pressed onto the pins, which hold them firmly in place. This method allows for a wide range of creative possibilities, enabling the arranger to experiment with different forms and shapes while maintaining the integrity of the composition.

You can learn more about using kenzan and other flower mechanics in the article The Essentials of Flower Mechanics in Ohara School of Ikebana: Kenzan, Shippou, and Natural Bracing.