Ikebana – Japanese flower arrangements

Ikebana is synonymous with bringing together different elements and creating a unified composition. The art of flower arranging has deep roots in Japanese philosophy, providing proof that in simplicity lies beauty and clarity. A glance at Japanese culture is enough for someone to understand that it is governed by the concept of minimalism, that it strives for a connection with its environment, for a connection with nature itself. The Japanese apply the principles of Zen philosophy to intertwine aesthetics with function, creating harmony in everything around them. It’s about emphasizing clear lines, shapes, and textures. It’s about creating balance.

This is the Japanese aesthetic principle of “Ma”, which enhances the usefulness of empty space. It is a minimalist approach that allows you to better recognize and appreciate the qualities of an object, as it is. Through its simplicity, it will embrace the surrounding space and harmonize with it. It will not demand the attention of the observer, but it attracts it gently. “Ma” is tranquility and balance, and it is applied in Japanese culture, from architecture to Ikebana.

What is Ikebana?

The word “ikebana” is derived from “ikeru”, which means “to keep alive”, and the word “hana”, which means flower. It represents the Japanese art of flower arranging, the way of flowers.

“Ikebana was born from the encounter of nature and humans … a clear example of perfect harmony between man and nature … Just as musicians express themselves through the language of music, Ikebana artists must use the Language of Flowers “- Sofu Teshigahara, The Book of Flowers.

Ikebana is not simply a flower arrangement, it goes beyond that. It is an exploration. In Japanese culture, flowers have their own spoken language, with a deeper meaning than the beauty they present. We must seek to understand the object of this art, its symbolism, its shapes and colors, its patterns and rhythm, and the relationship between them. Only then can the principles of composition be employed.

Exploring the history of Ikebana

The art of Ikebana has been practiced for more than 6 centuries and its long history began with the introduction of Buddhism in Japan. It developed from the Buddhist ritual of placing flowers on the altar to honor the Buddha.

One of the Buddha’s teachings says, “If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.” Ikenobo Senkei, a Buddhist priest, has not only seen the miracle of a flower, but the possibilities of combining more. Ikenobo is the creator of Rikka. Rikka, which means “standing flower,” was a flower arrangement consisting of seven branches that represented elements of nature, such as valleys, mountains, and waterfalls. In addition to creating the Rikka, Ikenobo also contributed to the development of the art of flower arranging by founding the first Ikebana school.

A more modern version of Ikebana art was created by the genius of Sofu Teshigahara. In his “Book of Flowers”, he states that “Ikebana will fail if its ultimate goal is the imitation of nature … You take a piece of nature and add something that was not there.” Sofu founded the Sogetsu avant-garde school, which revolutionized the traditional style. To stand the test of time, Teshigahara believed that Ikebana had to be “ always fresh, vital and dynamic ”.

History and forms

Ikebana dates back more than 500 years and finds its origins in Buddhism. Buddhist monks used to arrange flowers to decorate altars and temples. This is how the first form of Ikebana – Kuge – started. Kuge is a simple form that consists of just a couple of flower stalks and a few green branches.

Rikka It is the following form and is still practiced today. Rikka means “standing flowers” and it was a way for Buddhists to express the beauty of nature. The key to this style are seven branches that each represent an element of nature such as hills, waterfalls and valleys.

When tea ceremonies began to become popular in the 16th century, a new form of Ikebana emerged: Chabana. The word itself literally means “tea flower” and focuses on rustic simplicity to complement the tea ceremony. One of the most visible styles to emerge from Chabana was Swimming – a classic, unstructured style that typically consists of a tight bundle of stems that form a triangle.

Seika gold Shoka It evolved from Nageire and is much simpler, it usually consists of 3 branches that represent the earth, the sky and the human being. It highlights the uniqueness and beauty of the plant in its own natural form. The vases are typically symmetrical.

Contemporary ikebana

The most recent from Ikebana is Jiyuka Or simply Free style. Freestyle focuses on the creativity of the creator. There are no restrictions on the type of flowers or the materials used. The most important school that practices this form is Sogetsu. They focus a lot on creative expression and experimentation and most creations use a tall, narrow vase or an open, flat plate.

Like contemporary art, Ikebana freestyle is very much like abstract art. There is a strong focus on the lines formed by all the elements of the arrangement. The modern creator of Ikebana is still driven by the desire to work in harmony with nature, but will often include other non-natural elements in his creation with the aim of emphasizing the beauty of all things.

General principles of composition

Ikebana conforms perfectly to the saying of Issac Newton: “The truth is always found in simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.” The Japanese love for minimalism also came from Buddhist monks. They rejected material possessions in favor of strict necessity.

Minimalism is one of the most important features when composing a floral ornament. One has to choose plants that enhance the properties of others. Also, choose colors, patterns, and shapes that complement each other. A delicate flower will do wonders when paired with a plant that possesses intricate foliage. The contrast between the simple and the complicated creates a balanced composition. It is duality that attracts, just like the Ying-Yang symbol.

Implement the aesthetic principle of “Ma”. The empty space in a composition is as important as the space used. “We join the spokes in a wheel, but it is the central hole that makes the wagon move. We work with being, but what we use is non-being.” – Lao-Tzu

Asymmetry should dominate the Ikebana. An asymmetrical composition is dynamic. It will attract the eye and invite closer exploration.

Today’s practice

There are many schools and organizations working to keep the tradition alive. Ikebana is as popular today as it was 600 years ago, and it won’t lose that popularity anytime soon. It means Japanese culture and tradition, being a pure expression of art. Provides relaxation and awareness. Silence is an important spiritual aspect when practicing Ikebana. Silence makes the mind concentrate and engage in the beauty of living art. Ikebana is happiness, according to a Japanese proverb that says “Happiness is holding flowers with both hands.”

We live in the age of speed and technology, totally disconnected from the beauty that surrounds us. Practicing the art of Japanese flower arranging induces a state of meditation. The oasis of peace it provides is beneficial for both the body and the mind, as it connects us with nature and reconnects us with ourselves. It is the escape we need in such difficult times.