mitsu-gusoku

Japanese flower arrangement

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

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The mitsu-gusoku was an early style of Japanese floral arrangement, dating back to the 7th century. It typically featured three or five articles, often including an incense burner, a stork-shaped candlestick, and a flower vase. These arrangements were usually placed before images of the Buddha or Buddhist sect founders.1

This style is part of the broader art of ikebana, which developed from the custom of offering flowers to Buddha and was introduced to Japan by Ono No Imoko. Over time, ikebana evolved into various styles, each with its own conventions and symbolism.12

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floral decoration
Japan
…the earliest styles was the mitsu-gusoku, an arrangement of three or five articles often consisting of an incense burner, a candlestick in the form of a stork, and a vase of flowers. These were usually displayed before pictures of the Buddha or of founders of Buddhist sects.
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…the earliest styles was the mitsu-gusoku, an arrangement of three or five articles often consisting of an incense burner, a candlestick in the form of a stork, and a vase of flowers. These were usually displayed before pictures of the Buddha or of founders of Buddhist sects.
Read More