What is Cha-bana (茶花）

Chabana – The Flowers of the Tea Room

Chabana refers to the flowers arranged in the alcove (tokonoma) of a tea room. It is pronounced chabana, not chaka. Rooted in the teachings of Sen no Rikyū, particularly his principle that “flowers should be arranged as they are in the field,” chabana avoids extravagant or overly decorative arrangements.

Instead, it emphasizes simplicity and natural beauty, often using wild grasses and seasonal flowers that grow in the mountains and fields. The guiding aesthetic is one of unpretentiousness, and the preferred method of arranging is known as nageire—a spontaneous, natural style of placement.

Though modest, chabana captures the essence of each season and the subtle passage of time, quietly enhancing the atmosphere of the tea gathering. Within its simplicity lies the spirit of the tea ceremony itself.

A transformative experience for the soul.

Sophia

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Learn * Cha-bana

Choosing Flowers According to the Season

In the way of tea, a deep appreciation for the changing seasons is essential. Each of the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—has its own flowers and plants that are commonly used in chabana. Let’s practice arranging seasonal flowers.

Spring: Camellia (Tsubaki), Plum Blossom (Ume), Rapeseed Blossom (Nanohana), Spicebush (Kuromoji)
Summer: Hydrangea (Ajisai), Summer Camellia (Natsutsubaki), Rose of Sharon (Mukuge)
Autumn: Balloon Flower (Kikyo), Wild Chrysanthemum (Nogiku), Japanese Anemone (Shumeigiku)
Winter: Wintersweet (Roubai), Narcissus (Suisen), Adonis (Fukujusou)

Monthly Cha-bana lesson

We have monthly Cha-bana lesson based on using seasonal flowers

Trial lesson

Let you try to arrange Cha-bana by your style

Contact Us

Reach out to us for inquiries about our Japanese tea ceremonies and ikebana arrangements. We welcome you.