The word moribana means “flowers piled up”; mori=to pile something, and bana= a variation of the word hana, that means flowers.

This style is made on a shallow vase using a pin frog to hold the materials, also called kenzan or hanadome.

The basic form of moribana is made up of three lines of different lengths, forming a asymmetrical triangle.

The three main lines are:

• Sun line is the longest line, and determines the style and direction of the arrangement. The Sun line also represents the spiritual energy of fire. The Sun line is one-and-one-half to two times the dimension of the vase.
• Moon line complements the Sun line, and also represents the spirit of water. The Moon line is two-thirds the length of the Sun line.
• The Earth line balances the other two lines, and one of its functions is to increase volume and visual weight. This line also represents the spirit of soil. The Earth line is one-half the length of the Sun line.

The length of the Sun line is determine from the “dimension” of the container or vase.

Dimension = height + length or diameter

Moribana Slanting

This form utilizes the natural curve and grace of materials which grow at a slanting angle in nature.

Examples of Moribana Slanting