Britannica Sources used in this answer

How does a Japanese kenzan help hold flowers in place?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

floral decoration — Floral decoration An eternal bouquet for the dead, limestone relief from Egypt, 4th century bce; in the Brooklyn Museum, New York.

In Japanese floral art, the kenzan—often referred to as a needlepoint holder—is a mechanical aid used to secure plant materials in place. It consists of a base fitted with numerous upright metal pins.12

To hold flowers or branches in position, the stems are impaled directly onto these needles. This allows the decorator to fix the stems at specific angles and locations within a container, providing stability for the arrangement. Because the kenzan itself must remain stationary, it is typically secured to the bottom of a vase or bowl using floral clay. For arrangements in flat containers or on trays where water is exposed, solid-walled pin holders are also used to keep the plant materials hydrated while maintaining their position.12