What is Kenzan?

Kenzan　剣山　けんざん

Kenzan is a spiked flower base used for ikebana. Ikebana or Japanese flower arrangement, originated from flower offerings made in the early years of Buddhism in Japan and developed into an art in the 15th century. Other than flowers, things such as branches and leaves may also be used, and special attention is given to how well these things and the vase used appear together. Today there are several schools of ikebana, including the Ikenobo School, the Ohara School, and the Sogetsu School, and each has its own style. However, there are certain rules common to all the schools, like the rule of starting by forming a triangle with three main flowers.