It is more than just a vase of sparse flowers. It is an interconnection between natural beauty and the way we interact with flowers.
Ikebana. This beautiful, poetic word means “the art of flower arrangements.” The origins of this art form are not exact, but we know that when the Chinese introduced Buddhism to Japan in the 6th century BC, monks placed decorative flowers on altars and that even before that, pine trees and flowers were used to evoke thoughts of nature gods. However, ikebana reached its first recognition during the Muromachi Period around the 15th century to 16th century BC; it was also when the other pinnacles of Japanese culture such as the traditional tatami Shoin style and the tea ceremony first flourished.
At first, ikebana was commissioned by the Japanese feudal lords, and there were dutiful artists called doboshu. Groups of these workers would devote their time to flower arrangements, which led to a style called tatehana. Tatehana comprises plants being placed vertically in the container. In the 16th century, a style called nageire was born as a response. In contrast, nageire was more fluid and relaxed; the flowers used are more delicate and lean against the container instead of standing upright.
In the Edo period, in the 17th century, the styles changed vastly. Ikebana was no longer confined to the wealthy and powerful, so townsmen and merchants could explore flower arranging. This led to another style called Seika, which was based on a triangular theme since it echoed the idea of heaven-earth-mankind, a symbolic representation of the world. Many schools dedicated to the Seika style opened during this time.
In the 18th century, during the Meiji Reformation, this art form was shifted from male to female artists since the government decreed that ikebana would now be a standard part of a woman’s education. After that change, ikebana became a simplified pastime for the women of the upper class. In the 19th century, Western influence permeated Japan, which influenced both the styling and the types of flowers used.
Despite the changes in this art form, the thought behind flower arranging has remained the same.
It is a philosophy, a contemplation on nature and harmony between the earth and humanity.
It is more than just a vase of sparse flowers, it is an interconnection between natural beauty and the way we interact with flowers. Today, there are many florists who are reviving ikebana, following the old principles and philosophies that first brought this art form to life.
Simply placing a pop of green in a living space can transform an entire room, even if it is a slight change. Keeping the art of ikebana alive as young artists can benefit both the art form and also our own selves; seeing a flower in a vase can make our day brighter, a small respite from staring at the screen for a day. Try the art of ikebana someday. Go out into your garden or nearby floral shop, select a few varieties of branches and flowers, and see how it looks in your home!
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