Page:Japanese flower arrangement.djvu/53

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PRINCIPLES AND RULES

the other side. This will make it long enough; but were you to measure straight across the top of the vase when you opened the stick at the end, it would become too short and fall into the receptacle.

In placing the support in the vase put the open end at the back of the vase. Place the open end in first and force the stick into a horizontal position with its other end. The support should be at least one inch below the surface of the water when in its proper place; thus it will be entirely hidden from sight and the flowers will appear to be holding their upright position without artificial aid. This kubari is easily made and will be found most useful in making one branch or flower stand upright in a wide-mouthed receptacle.

Another support is made from a forked piece of wood with ends slanted off at different angles. (See Fig. 2.) This is better for large branches which require great strength in the support, but for all flowers and slender branches Fig. 1 is the

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