Ikebana (生け花, “arranged flower”) is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Ikebana is more than simply putting flowers in a container. It is a disciplined art form in which the arrangement is a living thing in which nature and humanity are brought together. It is steeped in the philosophy of developing a closeness with nature.
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 heart is the beauty resulting from color combinations, natural shapes, graceful lines, and the meaning latent in the total form of the arrangement. Ikebana is, therefore, much more than mere floral decoration.
The growing appreciation of Japanese art and architecture in the West has extended to the Japanese way with flowers. Ikebana is an art, in the same sense that painting and sculpture are arts. It has a recorded history; it is backed up by articulate theories; and it is concerned with creativity. In Japan, flower arrangements are used as decorations on a level with paintings and other art objects.
Source: What Is Ikebana? from Ikebana International
As shown below, MadSilence the Younger and friends explore a modern interpretation of this ancient Japanese art:
4 Comments
November 3, 2008 at 10:10 pm
I discovered the art of bento and did an entry on the yellow springs arts council I run.
http://ysarts.blogspot.com/
I like the attention to the process and the components used to create the displays, whether they are flowers or food. The process seems beautiful and contemplative and the end result as you say an art in itself.
The choice of vases is fun, I especially like the pink one
November 4, 2008 at 3:18 am
Naturally, I’m trying to identify the flowers. Excellent choice of vesicle.
November 9, 2008 at 1:10 am
I simply love this type of floral arrangement. It has it s own unique look and a story to it.
November 13, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Sugali-
I’ll have to post more pictures of the traditional arrangements I’ve been doing as I work towards my teaching license. The school I’m in is called “Ryu Sei Ha” (http://www.ryuseiha.net/english/) and while rooted in traditional ikebana, it leads towards developing a free-style, modern self-expressive form of flower arranging.
Kristina!
Lemme see if i can find the pics of the original flower bundles ^^
~MS the Younger