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What is Ikebana? Ikebana is the art of beautifully arranging cut stems, leaves, and flowers in vases and other containers. 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. The origin of the custom of appreciating flowers in a vase probably dates back to the birth of the human race. Evident in this custom is the characteristic of human beings to love and adore nature and its beauty. The Japanese were the first to systematize floral offerings into an art. Ikebana is the art of association of ideas and impressions of nature expressed through flowers. In Ikebana, the elegance of a branch conveys the change of the seasons.
Over the seven centuries of its evolution, Ikebana has developed many different styles of arrangement with different philosophies behind each. The first teachers and students were priests and members of the nobility. As time passed, many schools arose, styles changed, and Ikebana came to be practiced at all levels of Japanese society. Some of the styles are extremely simple. Others are extravagant. There are a number of different ways of arranging flowers. Two of the most common styles are Heika (also called Rikka, Shoka or Seika) and Moribana. Heika are arranged in tall, thin vases, while Moribana use low, shallow containers. A distinguishing feature of these and other styles is the use of three main elements--primary, secondary, and ornamental stems--that are said to represent heaven, humans, and earth. For a detailed understanding of the various styles in Ikebana click below.
Rikka style originated in the 16th century. To construct rikka, arrange seven or nine basic parts in a single vase to express the beauty of a natural landscape. Shoka style began in the 18th century and has two variations. Shoka Shokutai integrates three main branches, which form a unity expressing life's perpetual change and renewal. Shoka Shinputai uses two main parts that respond to each other with contrasting yet harmonious qualities. A third element adds a finishing touch. Chabana or Nagarie Give info Freestyle has emerged recently. Freestyle uses materials in new ways respecting the beauty and essential qualities of each material.
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Development of Rikka: Not satisfied with merely appreciating flowers in vase, people in the early 16th century (the middle of the Muromachi period) tried to give some meaning to the arranger's thoughts while he was arranging the flowers. Their attitude changed from passive appreciation of the flowers to the art of arranging flowers. This attitude forms the basis of Ikebana. From the late Kamakura period to the Muromachi period (late 13th-15th century) large contests of flower arrangement were held in the court on the day of Tanabata. History says that it was at the tanabata-hana-awase (a floral competition held at Star Festival) that flowers first became the theme of an annual event. The festival dates from the time of Yoshmitsu Ashikaga (1358-1408), who loved flowers and had numerous flowers planted in his garden. People referred to his mansion as "the palace of flowers". The tanabata-hana-awase had the significance of kuge, offering flowers to the two stars, kengyu (Altair) and shkujo (vega). On this occasion, nearly one hundred vases decorated the room and the whole atmosphere was aglow with their beautiful colours. Here the Shogun, noblemen, priests and samurais banqueted and enjoyed themselves. Later the flowers were displayed, to be viewed by the general public. Thus, the flowers seen at the tanabata-hana-awase tended to become a public pleasure rather than a dedication to the stars. It was at the end of the Muromachi period (early 16th century) that the simple way of setting flowers in a vase developed into "Tatehena", a more complicated system, as one of the methods of flower arrangements of the Ikenobo School. It was also during this period that the oldest manuscript of Ikebana ("Kao irai no Kadensho," 1486) and the famous manuscript about the Ikenobo school by Ikenobo Senno ("SennoKuden," 1542) were written. Senno, the founder of Ikenobo Kado originated a new type of flower arrangement that was filled with spirit and was quite different from the older types, which had been satisfied with merely appreciating the beauty of flowers. The Azuchi-Mamoyama period (late 16th century) brought a Renaissance in Ikebana as well as a general Renaissance in Japanese culture. At this time the two Ikenobo Senko completed the methods of Rikka (the most formal style of flower arrangement) as the Ikenobo reached the peak of its development. The original division of a flower arrangement done in the Rikka style into seven parts was established at that time.
Development of Classic Nagarie: The style of classic Nagarie had existed since the time Rikka was born. Classic Nagarie had been a style of decoration for a Zashiki (parlor), while Rikka, as the most ritualistic style was used in the case of rites and ceremonies. Therefore, the common people preferred classic Nagarie, which represented the natural beauty of flowers and did not require any complicated rules in arranging, to that of Rikka.
Development of Shoka: Ikenobo Sen'eis established the method of Shoka. The style of Shoka required a long time to develop; and during this time many other schools of Ikebana besides that of Ikenobo were also born. It was in the Edo period (1603-1868) that the real Shoka style was established by Ikenobo Senjo's work "Shoka Hyakki" (Hundred Principles of Flower Arrangement"). He also edited "Heika Yodo-shu ("Instructions on classic Flower arrangement"), in which the traditional method of Rikka was described in detail. In the Meiji Period (1868-1912), Ikenobo Sensho set down the regulations of mannerism. The effort by many masters to break away from this mannerism was not realized until the Taisho period (1912-1926). The styles of modern Nagarie and Moribana (1968) were the result. These styles were also greatly influenced by the importation to Japan of European culture that had begun since the Meiji Restoration (1968). These modernized styles of flower arrangements could be used in either traditional Japanese or westernized houses or rooms. After World War II, Ikebana began to be regarded by some as art, with the result that even works of avant-garde Ikebana appeared. Wire, metal and stone as well as flowers were used to the extent that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish these works from sculpture. This movement inspired the birth of "Free-style" Ikebana, which is completely liberated from the ideas and regulations of traditional Ikebana. On the other hand, the refined and dignified traditional Ikebana, such as Rikka or Shoka, has recently been experiencing a rebirth.
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