A classic, no-nonsense tool that quietly does the hard work. The 3-ring Shippo is a traditional Hanadome (flower holder) used in ikebana to support stems.

Sturdy metal rings allowing branches and flowers to be positioned securely while preserving a natural, effortless look. It’s especially handy when a kenzan won’t fit or would distract from the design.

Why you’ll love it

• In the Ohara School of Ikebana, Shippo (Hanadome) are most commonly used in moribana arrangements. 

• Provides stable support without pins or foam

• Encourages clean lines and natural movement

• Easy to insert, adjust, and remove

• A staple tool for both study and exhibition work

Subtle, effective, and endlessly reusable. The Shippo is one of those tools you reach for once, then wonder how you ever worked without it. Quiet confidence in metal form.

This Shippo is imported from Japan and measures approximately 4" L" x 3.125" W x 1.125" H. It weighs approximately 1 pound 2ounces.

You can learn more about shippo and other flower mechanics in the article The Essentials of Flower Mechanics in Ohara School of Ikebana: Kenzan, Shippou, and Natural Bracing.

Note:

Why you see shippo and shippou

The Japanese word is 七宝.

• しっぽ is pronounced with a long final “o” sound.

• In romanization, long vowels can be handled two common ways:

  • shippo – simplified, modern, very common in ikebana circles

  • shippou – more literal, showing the long vowel explicitly

• In practice:

  • “Shippo” is far more common in English-language ikebana teaching, shops, and catalogs.

  • “Shippou” occasionally appears in academic, linguistic, or older references.