Table

The purpose of the table or stand is to lift the tree to the ideal viewing height - the eye line should be halfway up the trunk. Both the tree and the accent should be placed on something to lift them from the bench. The dominant item in the display is usually placed on a higher dais than the accompaniment, ensuring that it is regarded as more important.

The stand could be an antique or modern table, a slab of wood, or even a bamboo mat, but a stand must be used. The table must not dominate the view. If an elaborate one is used, no matter how good it may be, if it distracts the eye from the rest of the picture, it is wrong. Simple stands are much easier to use and therefore more versatile. The legs should look strong enough to support the tree, and not make it appear to float. Dark woods are preferred for conifers, although a flowering tree may be shown with a light coloured one.

Bamboo mats etc. are useable in summer, but if the show is likely to get Japanese visitors, sushi mats are not. Using something so commonplace shows a lack of respect. Plain lacquered boards are very useful, and several can be arranged together to provide a larger area.

All items require cleaning and polishing before use. They should be stored in an area where they will not be damaged by atmosphere etc. Wrapping in bubble wrap or blankets is preferable, although this makes it difficult to identify which one is required (This is only a problem if you have a number of items of a similar size and shape).