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ICHI-BAN (above all others, number one) decoration in a Japanese room is the flower arrangement. It is an art performed with care, even with a sort of devotion. It is called ike-bana (pronounced e-kay-bahn-ah).

Like Adam and Eve, there is a male and female style of arrangement. In the female style (unlike Eve) the following arrangement ideas are kept in mind: (1) the arrangement must be made to symbolize heaven, man, and earth,(2) the uppermost twig symbolizes heaven,(3) the bent twig on the left symbolizes man, and (4) the lowest twig on the branch, symbolizing earth, is on the right. So detailed is the floral operation that the flowers and vases must be of precise height.

Refined simplicity is the mark of Japanese art and the flower arrangement is no exception. But to the serviceman, the process appears somewhat intricate and he is struck with amazement at the calculated beauty of the plant. But his amazement soon turns to admiration and
he, too, finds himself lovingly stacking the petaled twigs.


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Transcription Notes:
The following words are darker or bold: ike-bana and Ich-ban