Antique Floral Arrangement Frogs

"In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends." ~ Okakura Kakuzo

Believed to originate in 14th century Japan in keeping with Ikebana, a mindful practice that emphasizes achieving a harmonious balance between nature and human creativity, flower frogs have a long and fascinating history. Meaning "bringing flowers to life", these petite weighted devices allowed Ikebana practitioners to place specific flowers in a precise arrangement and then submerge the frog in water inside a larger vase or bowl. When these clever devices expanded to Europe and later America, they were deemed indispensable accessories in creating the elaborate and impressive floral displays that were hallmarks of the 18th and 19th centuries.

In 1916, William R. Struck of Dazey Manufacturing patented the first metal cage flower frog. It was designed to be camouflaged by the abundant stems and leaves of a floral arrangement while supporting differing blooms and varying heights within a bouquet rather than stems being bound together in a central bunch. Metal arrangers were produced in a wide variety of sizes and clever designs in the form of pincushions, raised hairpins, stands and cages. Stems could be inserted into different holes, anchoring them to the device and holding all at the same level with equal access to water within the outer vessel, all while remaining virtually unseen.

Quickly embraced by Garden Clubs and consumer home and design publications at a time when it was de rigueur to cultivate flower varietals in the garden and bring them indoors to arrange for decoration and enjoyment, these flower frogs were part of everyday household equipment. Prized for their ability to permit even amateur floral artists to create stunning arrangements with ease, these diminutive metal forms were the dominant type of flower frogs used by both professional and amateur floral artists until the mid-century invention of Oasis water-absorbent foam nearly drove these metal predecessors to extinction.

For the avid gardener, flower lover or collector, a stylish and functional Antique Floral Arrangement Frog promises to become a much reached-for accessory within your entertaining or tablescape repertoire. A charming and storied support to highlight gathered wildflowers, a special bouquet, hand-picked posies from the garden or seasonal decor, these handsome holders also make great stands to display antique seed advertisements, postcards, photos or ephemera. With a rich history, these rustic vestiges of decorating-past with their DIY can-do spirit are certain to make a thoughtful gift or creative addition to any home. 

Each frog is strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. Please make selection from the drop down menu. In very good condition with signs of age and use as seen in the alternate images.  Measurement: A-5"H x 3.25" in diameter at base, B - 9"H x 4" in diameter at base, C - 5.5"H x  4"W, D - 4"W x 1.75"D x 2"H, E - 2"H x 4" in diameter, F - 11"W x 4"D x 4"H.