Antique Japanese Lead Ikebana Kenzan

The Kenzan is the foundation for all ikebana arrangements. It is essentially a flower frog that is placed in the bottom of a vessel to provide support for the stems of flowers used to create the arrangement. 

This kenzan is in the form of a tortoise, with a honeycomb shaped structure, four small feet and tail. The kenzan is missing the turtle head. A very charming item from the early 20th century.