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Ikebana

[ik-uh-bah-nuh; Japn. ee-ke-bah-nah]

is the Japanese art of flower arrangement, also known as .

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. More than simply putting flowers in a container, ikebana is a disciplined art form in which nature and humanity are brought together. Contrary to the idea of floral arrangement as a collection of particolored or multicolored arrangement of blooms, ikebana often emphasizes other areas of the plant, such as its stems and leaves, and draws emphasis towards shape, line, form. Though ikebana is a creative expression, it has certain rules governing its form. The main(?) rule is that all the elements used in construction must be organic, be they branches, leaves, grasses, or flowers. The artist's intention behind each arrangement is shown through a piece's color combinations, natural shapes, graceful lines, and the usually implicit meaning of the arrangement.

Another aspect present in ikebana is its employment of minimalism. That is, an arrangement may consist of only a minimal number of blooms interspersed among stalks and leaves. The structure of a Japanese flower arrangement is based on a scalene triangle delineated by three main points, usually twigs, considered in some schools to symbolize heaven, earth, and man and in others sun, moon and earth. The container is also a key element of the composition, and various styles of pottery may be used in their construction.

History

Ikebana is one of the traditional arts of Japan that has been practiced for more than 600 years. It originated from the Buddhist ritual of offering flowers to the spirits of the dead. The first classical styles of Ikebana started in the middle of the fifteenth century. Ikebana can be traced to the 6th century when Buddhism was introduced to Japan. The offering of flowers on the altar in honor of Buddha was part of worship. The first students and teachers of Ikebana were Buddhist priests and members. As time passed, other schools emerged, styles changed, and Ikebana became a custom among the Japanese society.

Origin of Ikebana schools: Ikenobo

The history of Ikebana starts with the History of Ikenobo--the oldest school of Ikebana. The school dates its beginnings from a priest of the Rokkakudo Temple (六角堂)--official name is Shiun-ji (Purple Cloud Temple "紫雲寺") in Kyoto who was so skilled in flower arrangement that other priests sought him out for instruction. As he lived by the side of a lake, for which the Japanese word is Ikenobo "池坊", the name Ikenobo became attached to the priests there who specialized in these altar arrangements.

The Rokkakudo temple was erected in 587 by Prince Shotoku (聖徳太子). It is said that Prince Shotoku was in search for materials to build the Shitenno Temple (四天王寺). During his search, one day he went to bathe in a pond, where he hung a Buddhist amulet over a nearby tree. After his bath, he tried to remove the amulet, but he was unable to do so. That same night, the Prince saw the Buddha in his dream. The Buddha instructed him to erect a temple near the pond at the cedar tree under a purple cloud. From that cedar wood Rokkakudo temple was built to reside a Kannon (Quan-Yin) Goddess statue.

The Japanese Love for Nature

The Japanese truly appreciate natural beauty that it amounts almost to a religion. It is known that the Japanese have always felt a strong bond of intimacy with their natural surroundings. Even living in urban complexes and high towers of the city, the Japanese always have the strong desire to have a bit of nature near them. That is there is always a park or a garden even in the busiest cities.

The awareness of how nature changes over time and learning its rhythm is the first step in involving oneself in Ikebana. Ikebana is enjoyed by both men and women. This art was an enjoyable past time even for the samurais. The current leading Ikebana artist are men but is also considered a career for both genders.

Spiritual Aspects of Ikebana

Spiritual aspect of Ikebana is considered very important to its practitioners. Silence is a must during practices of Ikebana. It is a time to appreciate things in nature that people often overlook because of their busy lives. One becomes more patient and tolerant of differences, not only in nature, but also in general. Ikebana can inspire to identify with beauty in all art forms. This is also the time when one feels closeness to nature which provides relaxation for the mind, body, and soul.

Evolution of styles

Patterns and styles evolved so that by the late 15th century, arrangements were common enough that they were appreciated by ordinary people, not just the imperial family and its retainers.

Ikebana in the beginning was very simple, constructed only a very few stems of flowers and evergreen branches. This first form of Ikebana is called Kuge "供華".

Different styles of Ikebana changed in the late 15th century and were appreciated even by the common people. Ikebana transformed into an art form with fixed instructions. Books were written and Sedensho is the oldest book covering years 1443 to 1536 Ikebana became a major part of traditional festivals and exhibitions were held occasionally.

The first styles were a tall upright central stem that had to be accompanied by two shorter stems. During the Momoyama period in Japan, 1560-1600, splendid castles were constructed. Noblemen and royal retainers did large decorative Rikka floral arrangement which was that most appropriate decoration for the castles.

The Rikka (standing flowers) style was developed as a Buddhist expression of beauty of nature. It includes seven branches representing hills, waterfalls, valleys, and other objects of nature arranged in a specific way.

When the tea ceremony emerged, another style was introduced. The style used for tea ceremony rooms was called Chabana. The Chabana style is the opposite of Momoyama style which emphasized on rustic simplicity. The simplicity of the Chabana helped create the Nageire or “thrown-in” style.

Nageire is a non-structured design which led to the development of the Seika or Shoka style. The style is characterized by a tight bundle of stems which form a triangular three-branched asymmetrical arrangement which was considered classic.

Seika or Shoka style consists of only three main branches, known as ten (heaven), chi (earth), and jin (man). It is a simple style which is designed to show the beauty of the plan itself.

Other common styles in the present:

Moribana (upright style)– it is considered as the most basic structure in Ikebana. Moribana literally means “piled-up flowers” which are arranged in a shallow vase or suiban, compote, or basket. Moribana is secured on kenzan or needle point holders, also known as metal frogs.

Moribana (slanting style)- reversed arranging style that can also be used depending on the placement of the display or shapes of the branches. Branches which look beautiful when slanted are mostly chosen for this arrangement. This style gives a softer impression than the upright style.

Nagaire (upright style)- arranged in a narrow-mouthed, tall container without using kenzan or needle point holders. This is a simple arrangement that can contain even just one flower which does not use frogs to hold the flower(s).

Nagaire (slanted style)- this arrangement presents a gentle touch and flexibility. It is ideal for Ikebana beginners.

Nagaire (cascading style)- this arrangement has the main stem hang lower than the rim of the vase. Choose a flexible material that will create beautiful lines balancing with flowers.

Ikebana vs. Flower arrangement

Ikebana uses asymmetrical form and empty space as an essential feature of the arrangement. The materials, containers, and setting must have a sense of harmony. While a normal vase of flowers can also be beautiful, Ikebana arrangements are made in a way which provides one with harmonious closeness with nature.

Ikebana in the present Japanese culture

Throughout the years, Ikebana remains as one of the most distinct art of the Japanese culture. It is shown on television, taught in schools, and admired daily. An example of a television show that involves Ikebana is called Seikei Bijin (Artificial Beauty). The story incorporates the importance of natural beauty.

References

Ember, M., & Ember, C. r. (2001). Countries and their Cultures. New York Pearson Education, Inc. Retrieved July 30, 2008, from NetLibrary (UMUC Database) .

Fairchild, C. (2006). Keiko's Ikebana: A Contemporary Approach to the Traditional Japanese Art of Flower Arranging. Library Journal , 131(1), 111-113. Retrieved July 30, 2008, from Academic Search Premiere (UMUC Database) (AN 21303368).

Leaman, O. (2001). Encyclopedia of Asian Philosophy . London: New York Taylor & Francis Routledge. Retrieved July 30, 2008, from NetLibrary (UMUC Database).