A Japanese Flower Arrangment. One oF mY hoBbiEs is Ikebana.Ikebana, a Japanese flower arrangement art, is an art form that ties together elements of nature, lines and harmony.
History of Ikebana Flower ArrangingThe beginnings of ikebana are somewhat obscure. Some say that the history of Ikebana goes back at least 1400 years to the 6th century when Buddhism was introduced to Japan. One of the rituals at this time was making flower offerings. Others maintain that offering flowers and trees to the gods predated the introduction of Buddhism.
What is known is that Ikebana started evolving in a form that would be familiar to us today during the Muromachi Period, from the late 14th century to the mid 16th century, along with the tea ceremony. It was also during this period that formal floral arrangements started filtering down to the common people.
Ikebana Flower ArrangementsAn ikebana flower arrangement is a combination of an appreciation of those things living, the contrasts between colors and lines and the spirituality of being quiet and focused while working.
Over the centuries, different ikebana schools have evolved, such as Chiko, Ichiyo and Kozan. Regardless of the school, there are common threads that tie all ikebana arrangements together.
First, the ikebana artist takes parts of everyday nature, such as moss, withered leaves, seed pods, branches and flowers, to create an arrangement that would never be seen in real life. In addition, an ikebana flower arrangement is asymmetrical and deliberately uses space as part of its design. The artist also strives to create a sense of harmony between the materials used, including the container that you would not normally see in nature.
There is a strong affinity between ikebana and traditional Japanese art and architecture.
You, too, can create floral arrangements in the ikebana tradition. There are ikebana societies that provide interesting information about the art form. You can find books on ikebana at your local library or book store. If you truly become interested, you might want to take a class on ikebana flower arrangements.
