is more than just putting flowers into a vase or container; it is a disciplined art form in which “nature and humanity are brought together”. What makes it different and distinct from just flower arranging with a variety of colors or designs, is that Ikebana often emphasizes other physical parts of the plant, such as the leaves and stems.
Its goal is to emphasize the unique shape, form or lines that are created by the artist. Wikipedia defines Ikebana as the Japanese art of flower arrangement, also known as kadō, the "way of flowers".
This art form does have specific guidelines that must be followed. The main rule is that all the sections that are used in constructing the final arrangement must be “organic”. By that I mean the parts of the plants used (for example, branches, leaves, flower petals, or plant roots) must be the original pieces of the plant.
The artist’s objective of the arrangement becomes known by how the combination of color, shapes (natural or created), and physical lines creates the beauty of the final display.
Ikebana is known for its use of minimalism. What I mean by this is that a display may consist of only a minimal number of blooms interwoven between the stalks and leaves. The basic structure of a Japanese flower display is usually based on a “scalene triangle” which is a triangle having sides of three different lengths.
The sides are usually formed with twigs, and the sides are considered by some schools of thought to symbolize man, heaven, and earth, while others believe they symbolize love, moon, sun and earth. No matter what type of plant is used to create the floral arrangement, the container is usually the key element of the art work, so there are multiple styles of pottery available.
Although not well known, Ikebana is one of the most distinct arts in the Japanese culture. The origin and history of Ikebana is said to date back over 500 years ago. The oldest school believed to first teach this art form was named “Ikenobo” because the school was located near a lake, which is Japanese is “ikenobo”.
During the 15th century, the most significant changes occurred in the development of flower arrangements when the Shogun, Yoshimasa, ruled Japan. Along with simplifications in architectural structure, Yoshimasa, simplified the acceptable rules for flower arrangement so that all classes of people could create, as well as enjoy, their own style of flower arrangements. The name of this new, and simpler type of arrangement was called "Seiwa."
To learn about the other Ikebana styles that are more well known, click on the link below, or the option showing at the top of this website.
Nageire Style
Shoku Style
Moribana Style
The spiritual aspect of Ikebana is very important to those who practice this art form because they believe it is a time to appreciate nature, which busy people tend to ignore. During the creation of a floral arrangement, silence is considered a must.
One of the benefits of adhering to this code of silence is that the individual becomes more patient and tolerant of the differences in their lives as well as in nature. Practitioners say that it is also a time when “one feels a closeness to nature” which provides a side benefit of relaxing the mind, the body, and the soul.
Although I have touched on only a few of the Ikebana flower arranging styles here, I hope that you have found the information on my website to be informative as well as enjoyable.
There are many styles of Ikebana that exist as well as thousands of schools throughout the world that teach this craft, which dates back many centuries. I have much more to learn about this Japanese art form, but I am looking forward to the education. I hope you are too.
Please be sure that you visit each of the page tabs at the top of this website:
Nageire Style
Shoka Style
Moribana Style
Ikebana Videos
Ikebana Books
Ikebana Supplies
Japanese Tea Ceremony
Glossary of Ikebana Terms
