Ikebana (Flower Arrangement) By: Cassandra Arellano

Ikebana Meaning and Origin  Ikebana- Giving life to Flowers or “hana wo ikeru” a.

Practiced for more than 600 years, ikebana originated from the 仏教徒 bukkyoto, or *Buddhists* who would offer flowers to Buddha.

b. In India, Buddhist’s would scatter petals or place flowers casually.

c. Japanese Buddhists would find intricate ways to present flowers in different containers. d. Oldest school of ikebana, which goes back to the origins of a Buddhist priest of the Rokkakudo Temple in Kyoto, was very skilled and taught many other priests. e. Now, there are several institutes that practice different kinds of ikebana. f. Some of those institutes, depending on the popularity and people practicing would fade away or grow drastically.

History o Only practiced by priests and members of high nobility, like Emperors and their family. o In the 15th Century, though, it had widely grown to the point where ordinary people could appreciate ikebana. I.

Would practice to decorate rooms and personal appreciation

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To show the peace in the flowers.

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A high skill to have if looking to be married.

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Buddhist monks found ways to arrange countless kinds of flowers, the balance and proportions of flowers and vases, and made the many stepping stones of ikebana.

o These arrangements are sometimes would only be designed to be seen from the frontal view and not the back.

History 

As time passed, ikebana became a major part of traditional festivals, and ikebana exhibitions were held

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Rules were created, and materials had to be combined in specific ways to be judged.

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In these early forms, a tall upright central stem had to be accompanied by two shorter stems

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the three stems represented heaven, man, and earth.

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The specific Japanese names for these stems differed among the Ikebana schools.

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In 1545, the Ikenobo School, formulated the principles of rikka arrangements by naming the seven principal branches used in that type of arrangement.

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During the Momoyama period in Japan, 1560-1600, many magnificent castles were constructed. During the same period, noblemen and royal retainers were doing large decorative rikka floral pieces . The rikka style was considered a most appropriate decoration for these castles.

Procedures for Ikebana

o When using different vases, as shown in the image, have to think how the arrangement will be placed. o Flowers not arranged yet, are kept on a tray. o Pot of water is kept near the knees. o A pair of scissors would be in hand for different proportions of the flowers and greens. o Have to think about the meaning of the arrangement. Does it stand for peace, offering to Gods, someone important, funeral, and so on. o Could take hours to complete.

Ikebana Specific Equipment Container 

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Is chosen after the arranger examines the nature of the available branch and floral materials. Later, the container may inspire the selection of the materials that will be included in the arrangement Must be suitable to the space where it will be placed and materials must be cut to proportion of the size of the container.

Bamboo Basket

o Primary consideration in choosing basket containers and floral materials. o Most commonly used during April or May to October, the warm months.

Glass Container

o Preferred by ikebana arrangers since glass containers reflect light rather than absorb light like ceramic containers. o Since they are transparent, the glass acts like a lens and magnifies whatever it contains inside. o Should be thought od consisting of three parts: area under water, the area between the water line, and the top of the container(the space outside the top of the container.

Ikenobo (Other Kind of Flower Arranging) o One of the most famous and oldest practices of Ikebana. o Founded by Ikenobo Senkei, who was very well skilled in arranging and became famous in the samurai class. Arranged several flowers in samurai houses. o One of the most sophisticated and popular practices that nobles appreciated. o Arrange flowers based on their ideas, to give flowers life, to show that a small flower has significance, and for purposes and reasons. o Every flower and greens have meaning.

Three Main Styles of Ikebana 1. 2. 3.

Rikka- A style with ancient roots, contributing to contemporary life Shoka- Bringing beauty to everyday life Free Style- As an artist, creating new spaces

Gosekku Five typical festivals with special ikebana January 1st shogatsu (new year’s day) matsu(pine tree)

March 3rd momo-no-sekku (girl’s festa) momo(peach)

July 7th Tanabata (star festa) Take(Bamboo)

May 5th tango-no-sekku (boys’ festa) Shobu(iris)

September 9th choyo-no-sekku (chrysanthemum festa) kiku(chrysanthemum)

Ikebana Video Demonstration http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=playe r_detailpage&v=5O3Z2treWwo