Kenzan are used in ikebana flower arrangements to hold the stalks of flowers, branches and other plant material steady. The base is as heavy as lead, and has many needle-like prongs stuck in it. The kenzan is placed in a vase or other container, and the ends of flowers and branches are pushed onto the needles, to keep them steady. Kenzan come in different shapes — round, square, rectangular, even oval like a turtle shell.

Ikebana began as flower offerings to the gods and Buddha. Around the end of the 16th century, a number of ikebana styles and techniques developed, and before long, flower arrangements were admired as works of art. In those days, only aristocrats, samurai and other members of the ruling classes had the opportunity to enjoy this art.

Ikebana became a part of the lives of ordinary people at the end of the 18th century. Many women began studying it, and flower arrangements were soon decorating not only vestibules and reception rooms but other parts of the house as well, such as private living rooms. In those days, they didn't use kenzan. Instead, it was common to cut notches in sticks to hold flowering branches, or to place small wooden braces in the container to support the flowers.

Kenzan were made in large quantities starting at the beginning of the 20th century, after advances in metal working techniques. Well-known examples come from some of the best ironware centers in the country, the cities of Tsubame and Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture.

Another device, called hana-dome, is made of a number of metal circles joined together. The flower stems are pushed into the circles to hold them steady. The ikebana artist chooses one device or another, depending on the plant material, arrangement technique, container shape, and other factors. A kenzan is generally used for low, wide containers, like the one in the photos above.

Because they are easy to use, kenzan have attracted even more people to ikebana, and have encouraged the development of new ikebana techniques, making it possible to arrange flowers even more beautifully.

Using flowers to decorate space and create an enjoyable atmosphere has added charm and peace of mind to everyday life in Japan.