茶花 Chabana — Flowers for Tea
When Flowers Meet Tea
enrich Your experience
A meditative workshop on arranging flowers for the tea ceremony
Chabana 茶花 – The Art of Tea Flowers
At ZIYO, our Chabana (茶花) workshop offers an intimate introduction to the poetic art of tea flowers — a practice deeply rooted in the aesthetics of the tea ceremony. Unlike traditional floral design, Chabana is not about lavish arrangements, but about capturing the fleeting beauty of nature, with minimalism, wild charm (野趣), and seasonal awareness at its core.
What is Chabana?
Chabana, or “tea flowers,” refers to the subtle, natural arrangements used in the context of the tea ceremony. Guided by the principles of wabi (quiet elegance) and sabi (the beauty of impermanence), Chabana embraces asymmetry, simplicity, and a deep respect for the life of each branch, leaf, or bloom. It is not just an arrangement — it is a reflection of the host’s heart and the season’s essence.
Workshop Highlights:
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Learn how to select and prepare seasonal materials with a tea eye
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Explore two distinct arrangement styles:
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Nageire (tall upright vases)
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Chabana in bamboo vases or natural containers
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Gather natural materials (weather permitting) from ZIYO’s garden or surrounding area
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Reflect on the relationship between flowers, vessels, and water surface
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Enjoy a tea tasting session to conclude the workshop
Why Chabana at ZIYO?
This workshop is not just about flowers — it is a meditation on presence, humility, and the unspoken language between host and guest. Through the practice of Chabana, you’ll gain insight into the values that underpin ZIYO’s tea gatherings and broader philosophy of life as art.
Practical Details:
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Duration: 2 hours
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Location: ZIYO Studio, Twickenham
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Price: £95 per person (includes tea, materials, and refreshments)
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Small group setting (max. 3–4 participants) for a personalised experience
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All tools and seasonal materials provided
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Workshop is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours
Who is this for?
Whether you’re a tea practitioner, artist, florist, or simply curious, this workshop welcomes anyone with a reverence for nature and beauty. No prior experience needed — just an open heart and attentive eye.
“茶花 is not a performance. It’s a quiet offering — a way to honour the moment and the guest.” — Yi Lin

- Li Song (Chinese: 李嵩; pinyin: Lǐ Sōng; Wade–Giles: Li Sung) (active 1190–1230) was a Chinese imperial court painter in the Song Dynasty