Ikebana in layman’s term is the Japanese
art of flower arranging that emphasizes form and balance. It was introduced in
Japan in the 6th century by Chinese Buddhist missionaries, who had formalized
the ritual of offering flowers to the BUDDHA. The art is based on harmony of
simple linear construction and appreciation of the subtle beauty of flowers and
natural material (branches, stems). In its highest form, ikebana is spiritual
and philosophical in nature, but in modern Japan it is more often practiced as a
sign of refinement by marriageable young women or older matrons or giving
beautifully and elegantly arranged flowers for special occasions like birthdays
and anniversaries. Ikebana is more than simply putting flowers in a container.
It is a disciplined art form in which the arrangement is a living thing where
nature and humanity are brought together. It is steeped in the philosophy of
developing closeness with nature thus making humans and nature as one.
art of flower arranging that emphasizes form and balance. It was introduced in
Japan in the 6th century by Chinese Buddhist missionaries, who had formalized
the ritual of offering flowers to the BUDDHA. The art is based on harmony of
simple linear construction and appreciation of the subtle beauty of flowers and
natural material (branches, stems). In its highest form, ikebana is spiritual
and philosophical in nature, but in modern Japan it is more often practiced as a
sign of refinement by marriageable young women or older matrons or giving
beautifully and elegantly arranged flowers for special occasions like birthdays
and anniversaries. Ikebana is more than simply putting flowers in a container.
It is a disciplined art form in which the arrangement is a living thing where
nature and humanity are brought together. It is steeped in the philosophy of
developing closeness with nature thus making humans and nature as one.
As is true of all other arts, Ikebana is
creative expression within certain rules of construction. Its materials are
living branches, leaves, grasses, and blossoms. Its beauty results from color
combinations, natural shapes, graceful lines, and the meaning dormant in the
total form of the arrangement. Ikebana is, therefore, much more than mere
floral decoration it can be attributed to the Japanese love of nature. The
Japanese house that does not at all times contain some sort of floral
arrangement is rare indeed which is one strong proof how Japanese are so
involved in the said art. What distinguish ikebana from
other approaches such as “flower arrangement” is its asymmetrical
form and the use of empty space as an essential feature of the composition. A
sense of harmony among the materials, the container, and the setting is also
crucial. These are characteristics of aesthetics that ikebana shares with
traditional Japanese paintings, gardens, architecture, and design. Rie Imai and
Yuji Ueno dispose of all the partiality and created much to bring out the true beauty
and creativity of Ikebana. This book is brimming with beneficial techniques and
practical advice, as well as many beautiful examples that will motivate and
introduce you to the true beauty of the art. It is a book about expounding and
making a beautiful art form accessible to all who love flowers and flower
arranging.
creative expression within certain rules of construction. Its materials are
living branches, leaves, grasses, and blossoms. Its beauty results from color
combinations, natural shapes, graceful lines, and the meaning dormant in the
total form of the arrangement. Ikebana is, therefore, much more than mere
floral decoration it can be attributed to the Japanese love of nature. The
Japanese house that does not at all times contain some sort of floral
arrangement is rare indeed which is one strong proof how Japanese are so
involved in the said art. What distinguish ikebana from
other approaches such as “flower arrangement” is its asymmetrical
form and the use of empty space as an essential feature of the composition. A
sense of harmony among the materials, the container, and the setting is also
crucial. These are characteristics of aesthetics that ikebana shares with
traditional Japanese paintings, gardens, architecture, and design. Rie Imai and
Yuji Ueno dispose of all the partiality and created much to bring out the true beauty
and creativity of Ikebana. This book is brimming with beneficial techniques and
practical advice, as well as many beautiful examples that will motivate and
introduce you to the true beauty of the art. It is a book about expounding and
making a beautiful art form accessible to all who love flowers and flower
arranging.
