Jiujutsu; The Old Samurai Art of Fighting Without Weapons

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1889 Excerpt: ... Kotoshikarubeki-tei. Character of severity. Expressed by the use of Suzuki (Eularia Japonica) and Ominaeshi (Patrinia scahiosoefolia) arranged in a small bronze vase called Nozame. Omoshiroki-tei. Character of quaintness. Expressed by a hanging gourd-shaped vessel containing small Chrysanthemums. Tsuyayaka-tei. Character of clearness. Expressed by the use of Hagi (Lespedeza) flowers placed in a bronze vase which is engraved with a design of wild geese flying across the full moon. Miyd-tei. Character of chastity. Expressed by a Maple branch placed in a bronze vase engraved with the design of falling rain. Hitofushi aru-tei. Character of security. Expressed by some water plant placed in a bronze vase engraved with a spider's web design. Iki-tei. Character of veneration. Expressed by a Pine or other evergreen placed in a bronze vase engraved with a stork. (The stork and pine are both associated with the idea of a venerable old age). The above are fancy comhinations serving as examples of harmony of character between flower arrangement and vessel. The general principle of suiting one to the other must never be lost sight of, receptacles, however rare and valuable they may be, if intended for other uses must not be employed as flower vases. This rule is sometimes apparently violated for we find such forms as Ba darai (Horse tub), and Tsuru be (Well bucket) used; such names however refer to the suggested form and not to the actual use or original purpose of such vessels. In the Naga ire or rustic style of flower arrangements used in the Tea ceremonical, curious vessels of all kinds are pressed into use (see Plate 15). A few general directions are laid down as to the special kind of receptacle suited to particular flowers. For large flowers of full blossom, like ...