What is ikebana?
Ikebana is a Japanese word that literally means "living flowers". It refers to the traditional art of flower arranging. Ikebana is very different from the lavish floristry of Western countries: ikebana masters use only a few carefully selected plants, and the focus is on the harmony of a linear composition.
The Japanese art of ikebana – what you should know:
- The history of ikebana
- Learning ikebana – understanding the principles of the art
- Ikebana supplies – what you need for an arrangement
- How to bring the philosophy of ikebana into your home
The history of ikebana
When Buddhism reached Japan in the 6th century, its tradition of flower offerings came with it. The Japanese imperial court embraced the religion enthusiastically and played a key role in its spread. The ritual flower offerings of Buddhist priests are the origin of the traditional art of flower arranging. For a long time, it was reserved for male nobles, priests and samurai. Only from the 16th century onwards, through its role in the tea ceremony, did ikebana gradually reach a wider public.
Over time, the art of flower arranging was taught and developed further in different schools. While some schools focus on classical ikebana, there are also more liberal schools that allow new materials such as plastic or metal.
Learning ikebana – understanding the principles of the art
There is no fixed set of ikebana instructions. An arrangement brings nature into our homes and is rich in symbolism. Its composition represents the cosmic order and reveals the arranger's relationship with nature and their feelings. Anyone who creates an ikebana arrangement creates their own small cosmos and gives the viewer a deep insight into their thoughts.
Most arrangements follow three levels: heaven (shin), humanity (soe) and earth (hikae). Shin is the tallest branch in the arrangement, soe the middle one and hikae the shortest. Symmetry is not the aim in ikebana – the subtle balance of an asymmetrical arrangement is an important stylistic device. Proportions such as the golden ratio can help guide your design.
In classical ikebana, the arranger must also express the season through the choice of suitable materials. While closed buds, leaves, stems or wilting flowers are often unwelcome in Western flower arrangements, they are an essential part of ikebana. Try to reflect the transience of the moment in your arrangement.
Ikebana supplies – what you need for your arrangement
To create a traditional ikebana arrangement, you need a vase or bowl and the plants of your choice.
Since Ohara Unshin's first ikebana exhibition in 1897, the kenzan – also known as a flower frog or pin holder – has been an unmistakable part of ikebana history. The kenzan holds the plants in place exactly as you want them and made new designs possible, such as the moribana style. This is one of the most popular forms of ikebana, in which the flowers are arranged in a shallow bowl. Push the plant stems as deep into the kenzan's pins as possible to keep them balanced.
How to bring the philosophy of ikebana into your home
Ikebana inspires us to showcase individual flowers and rethink our flower arrangements. Leave the leaves on your flowers, emphasise their unique characteristics and choose less rather than more.
Ikebana vases
Vases and bowls with dividing inserts help you place plants thoughtfully. Designers such as Jaime Hayon draw direct inspiration from the traditional art. His ikebana vase with a perforated brass plate presents not just the bloom but the whole flower, with stem and leaves.
Ikebana bowl
As well as a traditional ikebana bowl, decorative bowls and fruit bowls are also suitable for arranging flowers. If you use a kenzan, make sure the water covers the pin holder completely.
Ikebana is not just about the art of flower arranging, but also about meditation and self-discovery. Take your time and arrange individual flowers mindfully, as accents and with plenty of space around them. Enjoy!
