In early May, I found the first sunflowers of the season at the supermarket.
I bought two stems, along with several other seasonal blooms available in the same flower aisle. The air does not yet feel like midsummer, and these early arrivals carry a cool, light energy. My intention was to create a unique display that reflects this specific time of year, before the intense heat begins.
Early Sunflowers in Kasama Ware and Glass
I chose a ceramic vase from Kasama for the initial arrangement.
After I began styling the flowers at home, I noticed that some of the sunflower petals were chipped. I had not realized this when I was selecting them at the store. While the appearance might not be perfect, I chose to style it exactly as it was for these initial photos. It reflects the reality of a casual purchase. In the arrangement shown toward the end, I made specific adjustments to the placement and composition while taking the condition of those petals into account. I hope you will look through the photos to see how the final display turned out despite the initial surprise.
Seasonal Textures and Repurposed Vessels
For the next setup, I used a different vessel made by the same artist from Kasama. This piece is actually designed as a beer cup rather than a traditional vase. It is remarkably light and crafted to create a fine foam when pouring beer. The deep texture of this vessel paired exceptionally well with the red tones of the other flowers I chose.
I feel a little guilty using it as a vase when the artisan crafted it with such care specifically for beer. I will definitely make sure to enjoy a cold drink from it once these flowers are finished! Moving the beer vessel arrangement to another room changed its character. I placed it on an old Asian-style chair against an orange wall. The deep wall color and the vintage wood created a moodier, more textured scene.
Woven Baskets and the Aesthetic of Petalless Blooms
For the final styling, I used a handmade basket with a glass vase hidden inside. I had noticed that one sunflower had damaged petals from the market. I decided to remove all the petals from that specific flower. This technique highlights the dark, textured center. I arranged it alongside the intact sunflower, marigolds, and greenery. The contrast between the petalless flower and the full bloom feels intentional and modern. It was a way to work with what I had.
I visited the Kasama Himatsuri festival during Golden Week.
Many artists gathered there, and it was a rare chance to see so much pottery in one place. I found myself looking at plates and cups through a new lens. I started wondering if a particular bowl or cup could serve as a vessel for flowers.
It was the first time I had approached tableware with that specific intent. Finding new ways to use functional objects made the trip feel like a discovery.
Stay calm and enjoy your quiet moments.
-mizu
