What tools do I need for ikebana?

As mentioned in What Is Ikebana?, ikebana does not require a large number of flowers to begin. The same is true when it comes to tools: you do not need much equipment to start practicing ikebana.

Ikebana is not an equipment-heavy practice. The tools we use in ikebana exist to support our intention as practitioners and the viewers' attention.

This guide explains the basic tools commonly used in ikebana, what each one does, and which tools are optional. It focuses on helping beginners understand what is truly needed without turning tools into a barrier to practice.

Essential tools for ikebana

Many students who are new to ikebana are surprised by how little it takes to get started. In this section, we'll take a quick look at the essential tools.

Scissors (hasami)

No surprises here! We're going to need scissors: specifically ones that can handle cutting leaves, stems, and even branches.

In ikebana, clean cuts matter because they help materials like branches and stems absorb water and last longer. That means you're going to need scissors that are sharp and sturdy.

While it's perfectly fine to start with what you already have, if you're going to invest in anything new for your ikebana journey, a good pair of scissors is the right place to start. But whether you get dedicated scissors today or in the future, you'll want the kind of scissors that you can have re-sharpened periodically.

Kenzan

A kenzan (also known in English as a "pin frog" or "flower frog") is a weighted metal base covered with upright pins. It is used to hold stems in place inside a container.

The kenzan allows materials to be positioned at specific angles and distances, making it easier to create stable arrangements with clear structure and visible space. Because of this, it is one of the most commonly used tools in ikebana, especially when working with shallow containers.

While kenzan are widely associated with ikebana, not every arrangement requires one. They are helpful tools, but they are not a requirement for all styles or practices.

Containers

The container is considered part of the arrangement, not just a vessel to hold materials.

In ikebana, the shape, depth, and proportion of a container influence how materials are seen and how space is experienced. Containers can be shallow or tall, wide or narrow, simple or expressive. Decoration is less important than how the container relates to the materials placed within it.

Beginners do not need special or expensive containers. What matters is choosing a container that allows materials to stand securely and be seen clearly. During the early phases of your practice, avoid getting lost in the pursuit of numerous elaborate containers.

A simple, flexible starting set consists of two containers:

1. One shallow container
   A shallow container allows materials to spread horizontally and makes space and proportion easy to see. It is well suited to arrangements that feel open and grounded. This type of container pairs well with a kenzan and is often the most approachable starting point for beginners.
2. One tall container
   A tall container supports upright or freely standing materials and encourages attention to vertical line and movement. This type of container is useful for arrangements that emphasize height, direction, and natural growth.

For both containers, simplicity matters more than style. Note the following when choosing your containers:

• Neutral colors are easier to work with
• Stable weight is more important than elaborate decoration

With just one shallow container and one tall container, a beginner can explore a wide range of ikebana expressions without feeling limited.

With scissors, a kanzan, and a container or two, you'll have all of the essentials to get started with your ikebana practice. Let's also look at a few related items you might want to have around as well.

Household items as support tools

In addition to the essential tools, there are a few simple household items that can make your practice feel more structured. Most people already have these at home, and none of them are required to begin practicing ikebana.

Cloths or towels

Since you'll be working with water and plant material, having cloths or towels at the ready will help you keep an orderly workspace, be that for drying containers, wiping up spills, or getting plant residue off of your hands. Any basic kitchen or hand towel works well.

Bucket or bowl of water

It's helpful to have some water at hand. It can be used to hold materials in water before arranging or for adding water to your arrangement's container.

A compost or waste bin

You'll be cutting plant material frequently, so it's helpful to have a place for the excess to go. Some of what you cut can potentially be put to use, so I recommend having a dedicated receptacle where your excess isn't soiled by other garbage.

These items are conveniences, not requirements. If you don’t have them on hand, you don’t need to go out and buy anything new. The more you practice, the better understanding you'll build of what support tools you need for your space and your practice.

The most important tool: a beginner mindset

I don't want to be overly cheesy here, but, in ikebana as in many other parts of life, the most useful tool is not something you buy.

It can be tempting to collect tools, containers, or accessories in the hope that they will make practice easier or the path to mastery faster. In reality, having fewer options often helps us see more clearly. Too many tools can shift attention away from the materials themselves.

Starting with what you already have encourages observation, patience, and care. A small number of tools makes it easier to focus on placement, space, and balance rather than on choices between equipment.

In ikebana, skill develops through looking, adjusting, and reflecting, not through acquiring more tools. Beginning simply creates the conditions for that kind of learning.

It's time to practice!

With only a small number of simple tools, it’s possible to begin practicing ikebana thoughtfully.

Rather than collecting equipment, ikebana invites you to work slowly, observe carefully, and make deliberate choices. The tools are there to support that process.