Glossary of decorative objects in the tea room

Chabana ( literally "tea flowers") is the simple style of flower arrangement used in tea ceremony. Chabana has its roots in ikebana, another traditional style of Japanese flower arranging, which itself has roots in Shinto and Buddhism.

Chabana evolved from a less formal style of ikebana, which was used by early tea masters. Chabana is said, depending upon the source, to have been either developed or championed by Sen no Rikyu. However, it is said that it was Rikyu's wife who first sugested or placed flowers in the alcove of the tea room.

At its most basic, a chabana arrangement is a simple arrangement of seasonal flowers placed in a container. Chabana arrangements typically comprise few items, and little or no "filler" material. Unlike ikebana (which often uses shallow, wide dishes), tall, narrow vases are frequently used in chabana. Vases are made from natural materials such as bamboo, as well as metal or ceramic, but rarely glass.

Chabana arrangements are so simple that frequently no more than a single blossom is used; this blossom will invariably lean towards or face the guests.

Kakejiku (hanging scroll)