Ikebana: history of origin and development

Christmas ikebana: step-by-step master class

As mentioned above, it is very important to take into account seasonality when creating ikebana. Thanks to this, you can choose the most suitable elements and make a truly beautiful flower arrangement.

For Christmas ikebana we will need:

decorative pumpkin;
glue gun;
small basket;
floral sponge;
scissors;
stationery knife;
spruce or pine branches;
decorative branches;
skewers;
decor: pine cones, cinnamon sticks, balls, ribbons, dried orange slices and more.

We cut the floral sponge so that it fits in the basket. We attach a pumpkin just above the center of the basket. If necessary, you can use a wooden skewer for this.

We place various branches in a chaotic order. In this case, they should look three-dimensional. Only after this we decorate the composition with various festive elements. These can be Christmas tree decorations and various cones. If you want the composition to be not only beautiful, but also fragrant, then you can use cinnamon sticks and dried orange slices. It looks really very beautiful.

Ikebana: An Ancient Art from the Land of the Rising Sun

Literally, “ikebana” is the art, the skill of arranging flowers. With all this, both live flowers and dried dried flowers are used.

To achieve a perfect ikebana, you don’t have to use beautiful flowers. The key to a harmonious bouquet is the correct ratio of parts.
when developing a composition, the time of year and the occasion for which it is created are taken into account;

It is necessary to start creating a flower bouquet in a wonderful mood, in complete calm and tranquility. Only then will the result of your work truly amuse you.
The number of flowers in Japanese ikebana does not matter; there can be an even or odd number.

Quotes

Ikenobo Senkei wrote about the art of ikebana:

“I spent many idle hours in solitude, finding pleasure in collecting branches of old withered trees and putting them in a broken jug. As I sat peering at them, various thoughts came into my head. We put so much effort into building a rock garden or a fountain in the yard, forgetting that the art of ikebana makes it possible to see endless mountains and rivers in a single drop of water or in a small branch in a very short time. Truly this is a miraculous art...

When I inhale the aroma of flowers, I feel as if I was in the Garden of Eden. It is not for nothing that Buddha resorts to the image of a Flower in his sermons. Don't the five colors - blue, yellow, red, white, black - represent the five faculties and five organs? The death of countless flowers in winter confirms the law of Change, transformation, and a piece of land with a pine and cedar in this abandoned place symbolizes the eternal Truth of the Universe.”

Symbolism

In ikebana, the symbolism of trees and flowers and their combinations forms a complex language. For example, a composition of roses and pine represents longevity and eternal youth, pine and rodea (omoto) - eternity and youth, pine and peony - prosperity and youth, peony and bamboo - peace and prosperity, and ikebana of chrysanthemum, orchid and cabbage flowers ( habotan) – joy. It should be remembered that chrysanthemum flowers are a symbol of Japan, so they are often used in ikebana. Associations associated with chrysanthemum among the Japanese are especially deep and multifaceted.

How to make autumn ikebana with your own hands?

Pumpkin is a great base for creating an autumn arrangement. The pumpkin should be prepared for arranging - cut off the bottom evenly, then remove the seeds, and make small holes on top for the branches.

Attach hop cones or flowers to rowan branches. In terms of flowers, you can use any options - dried flowers, chrysanthemums, small roses, ivy shoots.

Thanks to the photos of seasonal ikebana compositions, it can be noted that everything in them depends on the imagination of the person creating it. It is necessary to think in advance about the basis and shape of the bouquet and strive for compositional harmony.

Ikebana is a decor that is not quite familiar to us, surprising and bewitching with its unpredictability.

The created composition in the style of ikebana technique will be an excellent gift for any holiday or other significant event.

Vitamin-aromatic

To create it you need:

Pre-dried lime, orange, tangerine peels.
Leaves and flowers of lavender.
The cones are small in size. Alder, pine, and cedar are suitable.

Important! All elements of ikebana should be dried in advance, then the manufacturing process itself will not take long.

When preparing the cones, you can use one interesting technique: pack them in a plastic bag for several hours, and add a few drops of citrus essential oil there. This preparation will give additional effect and aroma.

The procedure for creating this decor is extremely simple. You need a flat, preferably glass, container. All presented components are laid out in it. Then you need to sprinkle them on top:

Ground ginger.
Hydrangea petals.

A small, spectacular composition in a glass

How did art come about?

There is a legend in Japanese history. One day a strong hurricane hit the city. It was so strong that it destroyed everything, even small plants. When the tornado ended, the residents collected all the dead plants and took them to the temple to honor the memory. People asked higher powers to “breathe” life into dead plants by arranging bouquets on the church altar. Buddha, who is worshiped in the Land of the Rising Sun, heeded the prayers and gave new life to plants. In gratitude for this, the monks still bring asymmetrical bouquets to the temple. But now it is no longer just a religious symbol and part of a ritual.

What is ikebana? You read the word “ikebana” and don’t understand what it means. Somehow this concept scares me away from the first acquaintance. In fact, having learned its meaning, you understand: what is simpler - arranging bouquets. For a long time in Rus', wildflowers and dry herbs were woven into wreaths and tied into bundles. What is ikebana? The same wreath! So many holidays were associated with nature. And how many rituals there are with the earth and trees. Our ancestors saw the essence of nature, honored, cherished and respected it in every possible way. This was the case not only in Rus', but also in many other countries of the world. Echoes of such paganism persist to this day.

Features of art

Residents of the Land of the Rising Sun equate the creation of flower arrangements with high art. Just as, for example, a musician must have perfect pitch, the creator of ikebana must have impeccable taste and excellent eyesight.

Lines, color and shape play an important role in composing a composition. For example, horizontal lines convey indifference and detachment, while diagonal lines convey inspiration and joy.

“Warm” colors - for example, yellow, orange - convey a positive attitude, friendly feelings, but blue, blue - restraint, coldness. Green is considered a neutral color and is used to “link” other colors together. Often masters play on the contrast of colors, which allows them to influence people’s mood and emotions.

As we already know, ikebana is closely related to Buddhist philosophy, as well as the Shinto religion, and therefore it is based on symbolism - the confrontation between evil and good forces, earthly and heavenly. In this regard, the compositions were symbolically made from two branches.

Later, around the 7th century, a third was added to the two elements, which personified man. Thus, the conventional scheme for constructing ikebana became a triangle - a harmonious shape in the Japanese sense.

Today, attention is paid not only to the composition itself, but also to what place it occupies in the interior, what shape or color scheme it has, and what light falls on it. Such increased attention is justified - after all, some Japanese consider the process of contemplating ikebana a real meditative practice.

Ikebana: rules and general recommendations

Not many people know that to create such a composition it is not at all necessary to use only fresh flowers. During the process, you can safely add dried buds and even artificial plants. Due to this, ikebana will have a more attractive and unusual appearance. In addition, you should adhere to some recommendations in your work. There are quite a large number of them, but we will highlight the main ones. This knowledge will be especially useful for beginners.

First of all, we note that beautiful flowers do not guarantee a beautiful composition.

It is much more important to correctly place all the elements in relation to each other. Only in this case will ikebana look truly attractive

Also, do not forget about seasonality. When selecting materials, always focus on what time of year it is and for what event you plan to make the composition

Don't be afraid to try different combinations and don't pay attention to the number of elements. In this case it doesn't matter

You can start work only in a good mood and in complete calm. The fact is that creating ikebana requires attentiveness and at the same time a flight of imagination

Therefore, it is important to fully devote yourself to this process, at least for a few hours. It is also worth noting the rules that must be taken into account when working on ikebana. First of all, this is, of course, the location of the main element

This art assumes that only one central element should have a special role. It could be a flower, a twig or even a leaf. In addition, it is important to maintain the dynamics of the composition. To do this, you need to place all the parts at a slight angle relative to the surface or vase. If you need twigs in the process, we recommend choosing curved stems, wicker dried flowers and other similar elements.

Contrary to the standards for creating classic bouquets, ikebana presupposes the presence of some asymmetry. Due to this, it looks lighter, more relaxed and that is why it is universal for every interior. But at the same time, before you start creating it, you need to think through everything carefully. That is, decide in which room it will be placed or to whom it will be given as a gift. Also keep in mind that under no circumstances should it be placed where there is too much sunlight. Otherwise, it will quickly lose its attractive appearance.

Colors and combinations when creating ikebana

Ikebanas look better with color combinations rather than just plain ones, but if you like certain colors then there is no limit to you...

White flowers and green leaves with stems will be beautifully combined; it will also be beautiful to make an ikebana in the form of a sakura tree branch - a brown branch and soft pink flowers sticking out in different directions. You can make a tree - a lot of green on tall stems and some light in different colors. You can make a bouquet of different soft purple flowers.

Quotes

Ikenobo Senkei wrote about the art of ikebana:

Ikebana master class “Winter”

We will look at how to make ikebana with your own hands, symbolizing winter, in this master class.

Let's start with the fact that in Japan, winter is represented by black. If so, we need black elements that are not found among living plants, at least not widely available. However, by using artificial things or painting dried ones, you can achieve a black composition. Or with the addition of black.
And now - great news! Black color is optional since we are not in Japan. It’s better to take “winter” attributes – pine cones, spruce and pine branches, tangerines, New Year’s decorations.
If you need ikebana related to the New Year holidays, then it’s even simpler: other colors will come in handy here - red, blue and green - the more saturated, the better. Auxiliary colors – gold and silver, white.
A bouquet in a vase will look great, but to make it more like a “Winter” ikebana, add a sprig of a Christmas tree. Yes, and don’t forget about asymmetry!
The usual home tradition can be enlivened by using ikebana from reeds or similar dry plants, sticking them directly into the ground next to the plant.

You can arrange a surprise for a loved one by decorating the festive table with ikebana made of fresh roses and lilies for his arrival! This is especially true for a gift to a man, because they usually don’t give flowers.

Ikebana can be made not from one vessel with flowers, but from several standing next to each other or even emerging from one another.
To start making ekibana, select the plants. Take the flower that will be the main one - the largest and brightest. It should be visible better than others, it will stand out from the general background.
Choose a vessel - a vase or a flowerpot, which you can also make with your own hands from available materials, so that it suits your design.
Select accompanying components that will not overshadow the main element, despite the large number.
Arrange all the parts in the vase according to the rules of ikebana, using a floral sponge for living plants - this is better than just pouring water.
For example, this is what a festive ikebana might look like from dried tangerine slices, twigs and New Year’s plain Christmas balls, which, by the way, can be replaced with roses or lilies:

MORIBANA., Symbolism of Ikebana

The symbolism of flowers and trees, their combinations in ikebana forms a complex language. So, pine and rose are eternal youth and longevity, pine and radia (omoto) are youth and eternity, pine and peony are youth and prosperity, peony and bamboo are prosperity and peace, cabbage flowers (habotan), chrysanthemum, orchid are joy .

Bamboo is a symbol of longevity, as it is evergreen, and the Confucian principle of filial piety, since, according to legend, young bamboo shoots appeared suddenly in response to the prayers and tears of a respectful son who wanted to fulfill the wish of an old mother: she really wanted a stew from the young shoots bamboo Bamboo also personifies male will and inflexibility, affirmed by the ethics of Zen Buddhism: it is hollow inside - this emptiness is likened to the heart of a samurai, cleansed of selfish aspirations, bamboo does not break and is very durable.

Branches of bamboo, pine and plum are often grouped together, and they represent longevity, as all these plants remain green even in the cold season.

The symbol of Japan is chrysanthemum flowers. Naturally, these flowers are a frequent motif in ikebana: the art of composing compositions from chrysanthemums is thought out with special care by Japanese craftsmen. The philosophical and poetic associations associated with this flower are especially multifaceted and deep. Chrysanthemums are likened to lonely peaks with their sense of self-worth and peace, they are like noble people with their sense of duty. Such plants are unique - they rise above vulgarity and embody the essence of autumn.

The branch of an apricot tree is also often used in ikebana; this plant acts as a symbol of the beauty and grace of a woman: the eyes of Japanese women are often compared to egg-shaped apricot grains. A blossoming branch of an apple tree expresses the wish for peace in the family, which reigns thanks to the virtue of the wife and mother; ikebana in the form of a still life of several apples marks eternal harmony. Jasmine personifies the sweetness of enjoying life, its fullness and tart aroma. This plant is used in the tea ceremony. The whiteness of its flowers, the perfection of each petal, the strong scent outline the uniqueness of jasmine as a sign of true existence and the desire to enjoy it, to find this existence.

In Japan, this art continues to be an object of serious knowledge, long and labor-intensive training, and mastery of a sacred ritual act, since for many ikebana remains not only an element of the national cultural tradition, but also a perfect model of the universe. Three principles determine the structure of ikebana: Heaven, i.e. nature, the Earth, relatively speaking, earthly affairs, and Man, as the connecting link between these principles of the world. Sky, Earth and Man form the traditional basis of any ikebana composition.

8 pages, 3608 words

Description of items (colors)

...worked beautifully? (Address to the epigraph.) XI. Commenting on student grades. Description of methodological development. 1. Topic “Essay – description of objects (flowers).” 2.Type of lesson: speech development lesson. Type of lesson... conditions where it is impossible to grow flowers? What can replace natural conditions for growing flowers? (Build a greenhouse, greenhouse.) What is a greenhouse? (It's warm, glazed...

Ikebana is an amazing way of expressing thoughts and all kinds of symbols; In the language of ikebana you can express moods, feelings and images. For example, ikebana can represent development over time. The material of the compositions can suggest the time of year. Spring means branches of bushes with half-opened buds, as well as flowers characteristic of this period (mimosa and narcissus - March, tulip and sakura - April, peonies - May).

Summer is the kingdom of blooming rose petals, bouquets of irises and sunflowers. Autumn - thin branches of bushes with fruits. Winter - tree branches, roses and freesia. Spring is characterized by a soft green color, summer - red, autumn and winter - white.

There are certain rules for arranging bouquets for each holiday. Bouquets for the New Year are made from bamboo leaves and pine branches. For a wedding, it is preferable to fill the bouquet with plum flowers and apricot tree branches. More than others, the Japanese revere four “noble” plants - chrysanthemum, orchid, young bamboo shoots and wild plum. The first two are the personification of joy; bamboo is a reflection of male will and inflexibility. The chrysanthemum is the official symbol of Japan.

In Japanese culture, ikebana often acts as a mediator in communication between people. Ikebana is given to family or friends as a sign of good wishes. The guest is invited to admire the ikebana, created to honor him or express joy at his arrival. Ikebana is prepared to celebrate special communal celebrations or simply to be used as an object for friendly conversation. The rules of decency in Japanese society do not allow looking the interlocutor directly in the eyes, which can be considered as disrespect, intrusive curiosity, etc. The best way to establish contact is ikebana, which can start an interesting conversation and friendly communication. In Japanese interiors, ikebana can be seen not only on the altar in front of the image of a deity, but also on shelves, where it is placed next to some artistic items, a jade figurine, a lacquer box with inlay, or in traditional tokonoma niches, in front of a scroll depicting a landscape or calligraphic inscription.

Despite the fact that mastering the art of “Living Flowers” is quite difficult, it is very exciting, because ikebana is not only a person’s self-expression, but also deep spiritual food, like a piece of special beauty that flares up in someone who plunges into this world of amazing and beautiful !

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Moribana

Let's take a closer look at what this style is. The compositions reflect the philosophy of naturalism; all the works of the masters look three-dimensional and three-dimensional. The vases are all low, but can have different shapes: round and oval, square and rectangular.

This style has three main rules for composing a bouquet. They are called Sin (sky), Soe (man), Tai (earth). The ratio of these formative elements should be in the proportion 7:5:3. The size of the vase is also taken into account. First, the main elements are laid out on metal rods, then depth is created thanks to additions. They connect all the details together.

There are 3 forms in this style:

Tekutai has a vertical bouquet structure. Long straight stems are used. These are bamboo, gladiolus, narcissus. The main element – Sin – is installed vertically. Deviation is only allowed by 30°.
Xiatai. An oblique form of line construction is used here. Branches with beautiful and unusual bends of the trunk are often used. The apex now deviates much more than 30°. It seems that the bouquet was tilted by a strong wind.
Suitai consists of several cascades. Hanging plants are used. The Xing main piece can extend below the vase, creating a beautiful curve. Such vases look impressive on high shelves or shelves.

Types of styles

The centuries-old study and creation of ikebana has divided into several directions, which have become used among modern florists. Such a bouquet can become a decorative element for a room or an ideal gift for a loved one.

Ikebana

Rikka (standing flowers)

This style welcomes pomp and theatricality and glorification of Buddhism. Carrying out religious ceremonies required a lot of decorations and postulates that personified the greatness of living nature.

Ikebana

seka

Seka style consists of arranging a bouquet of three flowers. The branches are placed in the vase so that their top forms a scalene triangle, which is interpreted by philosophy as a symbol of harmony.

Ikebana

Nageire (flowers thrown into water)

Romantic duet of orchids

This style involves the natural arrangement of flowers in a vase, with the stems positioned at the edges of the vessel. Here the strict postulate of sex is already retreating, which gradually began to displace it.

Nageire bouquets could be vertical, hanging, table, floor or wall. This explains their popularity among the Japanese.

Ikebana

Moribana

Unsurpassed Harmony

This is a combination of several styles, characterizing flowers grown into tall flowerpots. Square, round and rectangular vases are used to create compositions.

Ikebana

The main emphasis when composing bouquets is on the size, number of plants, beauty of lines and variety of colors.

Ikebana

Jiyuka

A modern direction characterized by creative freedom. Here the author can select and combine the background, materials and colors himself. A composition in this style allows the use of natural stone, fresh and artificial flowers and plants.

Ikebana

It is this solution that has become popular in the interior design of homes and restaurants.

Ikebana

Ikebana in modern design and interior style

A composition of plants in any interior will create a feeling of comfort and harmony. Extraordinary flowerpots, wicker baskets in combination with a beautifully composed bouquet allow you to feel unity with nature. Therefore, modern design began to combine oriental style with modern and classic.

Ikebana

The combination of smooth lines, beautiful colors, buds and branches ideally emphasize and complement the interior of bedrooms, dining rooms and living rooms.

Ikebana

Manufacturing instructions

There are many options for ikebana. For example, you can make a beautiful autumn composition from a pumpkin. Follow these simple steps:

Cut out and core the pumpkin.
Cover the bottom with artificial porous material.
Place the base of the composition in the center of the pumpkin - a small piece of wood or foam, to which the branches are glued with a glue gun.
The base is securely fixed in the ground and the remaining elements of the composition are added.

A symbol of fertile autumn - a pumpkin - can be used as a basis for floral ikebana

A simpler and more laconic option is made from orchids. It can be made at any time of the year. For this ikebana you will need:

two orchids;
decorative branches;
shallow vase;
glass stones or colored sand;
scissors.

The composition is quite simple:

Fill the vase halfway with sand or stones.
Insert two orchids so that they are directed in different directions.
Place 1-2 decorative branches between the flowers.
Sprinkle with stones or sand.

Ikebana from orchids looks laconic and is very simple to do.

Compositions made from physalis, or hozuki, as the Japanese call it, symbolize comfort, peace and spiritual prosperity. Ikebana from the “Chinese lantern” will be an excellent decoration for your home or workplace. To create it you will need:

physalis;
live or decorative branches;
fresh leaves;
1–2 yellow rose buds;
deep transparent glass.

You need:

Place physalis and decorative branches in a transparent glass.
Decorate the rim of the glass with fresh leaves.
Insert yellow rose buds.

Physalis in a flower arrangement goes well with fresh leaves and buds of a yellow rose; the result is a bright, sunny ikebana

These are just a few simple ikebana options for home and work. You can create unique compositions by combining natural materials and decorations to suit your taste.

The history of the origin of art and its development

Art originated in China in the 6th -7th centuries. AD Pine and cypress branches, rose and lotus flowers are the first plant elements for the arrangement. Plants were placed in bronze vessels.

In the X-XII centuries. The religious ritual of offering to the gods is gradually abolished, and secular culture begins to flourish. Ikebans decorated the emperor's palace and the estates of aristocrats. Arrangement competitions were held at the emperor's court.

In the 16th century, the tea ceremony appeared. Ikebana in restrained, calm shades and simple forms is located in the gazebos during tea drinking.

In the XVII-XIX centuries. The main directions and schools finally took shape, and art itself became the national treasure of Japan.

Jiyuka

Freedom of style is manifested in the originality of the choice of material; this is a kind of surrealism of ikebana made from natural materials. It combines the ancient art of bouquet arranging with the modern eye of an artist. Here, any modification of the shape of the leaves, the addition of materials, both natural and inanimate, is possible. Dry herbs and leaves, fruits, glass and stones, and plastic are often used. An unusual shape of the vessels in which the masterpiece is created is also chosen.

The free style of bouquets allows for the use of mixing other styles. Plant materials from the surrounding nature can be used, geometric symbolism and color mixtures are added. Modern textured materials allow the imagination of artists to run wild, embodying the most reckless ideas.

The Jiyuka style can create countless looks by combining plant and man-made materials.

History of origin

One legend tells about the emergence of the art of ikebana. One day, a strong hurricane with a thunderstorm swept through Japan, which destroyed everything in its path and destroyed the trees and bushes around. Then the Buddhist monks, laying a branch of a broken tree to the Buddha statue, turned to the Teacher in the hope that he would help restore the destroyed vegetation.

Surprisingly, after a little time, the fragrance of flowers again spread across the devastated territories, the bushes opened their buds, and the gardens bloomed, once again giving beauty to those around them. So Buddhist monks began to often build ikebana trees so that the gardens would never stop blooming.

Historians have widely differing opinions about when the first ikebana appeared. It is generally accepted that it came to Japanese lands from China, and, like the chrysanthemum - a symbol of imperial power - spread throughout the country, more precisely, along its Buddhist side. Initially, the compositions were made by monks, they were used to decorate temples and given to Buddha as an offering.

Later, in the 9th-10th centuries, the compositions went beyond the temples and spread into the homes of ordinary Japanese. Taking on more natural, graceful forms, they became an integral part of the interior and brought with them harmony.

Ikebana at a tea ceremony in ancient Japan

By the 12th-14th centuries, the art was adopted by ascetic samurai, and therefore made it simpler and more modest. Around the same time, the school of Zen Buddhism developed in Japan, so bouquets, symbolizing the path to truth, completely lost any chic, although they remained just as beautiful and symbolic.

Everything changed in the 17th-19th centuries, when ordinary joys and admiration for life itself became the main values in life. The former symbolism in the composition became less important than the feeling of harmony that the ikebana trees of that time gave.

An ancient legend

In Japan, there is a legend about the origin of this art. One day a hurricane swept across the country, during which many plants and flowers died as a result of strong wind and rain. Buddhist monks collected all the broken flowers from the garden and came to the temple with prayer, asking God for mercy to restore the gardens.

Buddha heeded the requests of the clergy, and the gardens again began to delight people with beautiful plants. Since then, the monks gratefully bring beautifully arranged asymmetrical bouquets to the temple, trying to please the deity.

Western influence

The 19th century was characterized by the beginning of trade relations with Europe and the United States. As a result, many goods appeared in Japan that were never known here. All this entailed changes in various spheres of life, including the art of ikebana.

Flowers and plants brought from the West were initially not allowed to be used when creating compositions. But a man named Unshin Ohara became an innovator and developed another new style. We are talking about Moribana - a type of ikebana, characterized by the use of low pots, bowls, flowers atypical for the Land of the Rising Sun, and even water (it plays the role of an additional artistic element).

Subsequently, Ohara decided not to limit himself to low vases and created an additional subtype of his style - haiku. This is still the same moribana, only in vessels of a different shape.

Autumn ikebana in pumpkin

Pumpkin is a beautiful base for creating autumn ikebana. It is stable on any surface, has a catchy color that is in harmony with other elements of the composition. And most importantly, thanks to the specific structure of the pumpkin cavity, you can stick any twigs, leaves or flowers into it.

As in the previous master class with pumpkin, it needs to be prepared - cut off the bottom for greater durability.
Clean the pumpkin cavity of veins and seeds. Now the base for ikebana is ready.

3. Prepare flowers, autumn leaves, rowan branches. To do this, cut the trunks so that they fit into the cavity of the vessel and are slightly higher than the depth of the pumpkin.

4. Next comes the completely creative step, where there are no strict rules. Place the prepared elements in the pumpkin, distributing them sparingly over its surface.

Try to group the leaves and twigs in such a way that there are no gaps between them.

Styles

The structure of ikebana is determined by its school, style and form of composition.

Rikka is the oldest, most formal style of ikebana. Its name can be literally translated as “placed flowers.” The compilers of ikebana in this style proceeded from the fact that the flowers personified the sacred Buddhist mountain Sumisen, which for followers of this faith is a symbol of the Universe. Ikebana in the Rikka style was often characterized as a “small garden inside the house” because the artist created a miniature landscape in such a composition. The Rikka style was most popular in the 17th century; nowadays it is rarely practiced because it is considered outdated.

Shoka is the simplest style, which appeared in the 15th century. The basis of the composition in this style is formed by three main branches, which are complemented by flowers and shorter branches. They are placed one after another in a row, but create the effect as if they come from one trunk and do not come into contact with the walls of the vessel. The composition of a Shoka composition is usually limited to one or two plant species and very rarely can reach three.

Nageire is a style that appeared in the 16th century and is associated with the creation of tea houses. This style uses a looser arrangement that allows flowers to be placed around the rim of the vase's neck. To create a composition in the Nageire style, tall vases are used in which flowers and branches are fixed without the use of additional devices, although there are several special ways of fixing them in vessels.

Moribana - compositions in flat and low vases, appeared less than 90 years ago. The emergence of Moribana was driven by the need to decorate the alien European houses that began to be built in Japan after it established ties with Western countries in the second half of the 19th century. The name of this style can be translated as “pile up flowers.” An arrangement in this style should give the impression of a landscape, so it uses more flowers and greenery than the first two styles of ikebana. Installation of plants in dishes is carried out using a stand with metal needles (kenzan) or heavy metal holders with open nests (sippo).

Jiyuka is a free style of ikebana arrangement.

Ikebana in free style

Popular modern styles

Currently, the art of ikebana is taught to geishas. There are special courses in our country. Although the term appeared in Russia only in the twentieth century, the composition of compositions fascinated many. Nowadays, ancient techniques can rarely be found; only a few of them fell in love with the masters. We list only the most popular ones and how they differ from the rest.

The Nageire or Heika style is characterized by placing flowers in tall vases with a narrow neck. To position the plants correctly, use the edge of the vase to support them. If you need to change the position, use special wooden supports.

The Moribana style is characterized by low vases and trays with water. The holders used are the previously described kenzan or sippo.

Jiyuka is a free arrangement of natural material.

Get to work

It's time to make ikebana with your own hands:

We determine what composition we want to create: on the occasion of a celebration (birthday, wedding, anniversary); the desire to convey the unique colors of the season; we want to make acquaintances or maintain a conversation; arrange a celebration.
We select a monochromatic corresponding vessel-stand (do not forget about the selection rules).
We think over and collect suitable materials for the future creation.
Technical side: use a sharp knife or scissors to cut off excess elements (some stems or twigs) at an angle. We build the composition by rotating the elements from different angles and perspectives. We fix them on a special sponge, observing the three-plane rule (philosophy - heaven, man, earth).
We apply additional elements: decorations on the branches, moss, pebbles to decorate the vessel.

Now the work is completed and it’s time to determine its place on the shelf, in the garden, on the table, understanding that the style must be maintained here too.

Schools

Ikebana develops within certain schools and styles. The most famous schools in Japan are Ikenobo, Ohara, and Sogetsu.

Ikenobo

Main article: Ikenobo

Ikenobo should be considered the first school of development of ikebana. Ikenobo was founded in the mid-15th century by Ikenobo Senkei, a priest at the Rokkaku-do Buddhist temple in Kyoto. In the Ikenobo school, unlike other schools, the old styles of ikebana, such as the Shoka and Rikka style, still exist. Rikka style ikebana was originally used to decorate temples, but is now used mainly for religious rituals and celebrations. This style reflects the grandeur of nature. For example, pine branches symbolize rocks and stones, and white chrysanthemums symbolize rivers or small streams.

Ohara

Main article: Ohara

The Ohara school, founded in 1897, introduced a new style to ikebana - moribana. The difference between the Moribana style is that the plants are placed in flat, low vases using metal pins (kenzans).

Sogetsu

Main article: Sogetsu

The Sogetsu school (Japanese 草月 - “grass and moon”) is the most modern of the schools, founded in 1927.

The difference between this school is the use of not only flowers and plants in ikebana. Stones, fabrics, metal, plastic and other types of non-living material are used. Ikebana began to be used not only to decorate rooms, but also to display them on the streets, parks, and subways.

The school was created by Sofu Teshigahara, an innovative artist and sculptor who in the West was called the Picasso of flowers.

Schools

Ikebana develops within certain schools and styles. The most famous schools in Japan are Ikenobo, Ohara, and Sogetsu.

Ikenobo

Ohara

The Ohara school, founded in 1897, introduced a new style to ikebana - moribana. The difference between the Moribana style is that the plants are placed in flat, low vases using metal pins (kenzans).

Sogetsu

The Sogetsu school (Japanese 草月 - “grass and moon”) is the most modern of the schools, founded in 1927.

The school was created by Sofu Teshigahara, an innovative artist and sculptor who in the West was called the Picasso of flowers.

Schools

Ikebana develops within certain schools and styles. The most famous schools in Japan are Ikenobo, Ohara, and Sogetsu.

Ikenobo

Ohara

The Ohara school, founded in 1897, introduced a new style to ikebana - moribana. The difference between the Moribana style is that the plants are placed in flat, low vases using metal pins (kenzans).

Sogetsu

The Sogetsu school (Japanese 草月 - “grass and moon”) is the most modern of the schools, founded in 1927.

The school was created by Sofu Teshigahara, an innovative artist and sculptor who in the West was called the Picasso of flowers.

From the history of ikebana

Initially, ikebana was based on the philosophical and aesthetic tenets of Shintoism, and then Buddhism. According to Shintoism, every natural object, body, phenomenon contains a divine spirit and therefore requires respectful treatment as a living being. The Japanese love to identify with nature, striving to live with it without any barriers and maintaining a balanced coexistence. Its origins are associated with the ancient custom of presenting flowers to deceased ancestors. In Buddhist temples, a ritual of placing flowers on Buddha statues developed. At the same time, the perfect shape of the vase and the lush, pompous splendor of the bouquet itself, which was created according to certain, strictly canonized rules, embodied the triumph and grandeur of Buddhism. But as world and national culture developed, the philosophical and religious meaning of ikebana was gradually lost. The emergence of ikebana in Japan as an art dates back to the 15th century; at that time it was practiced mainly by clergy of temples and monasteries. But gradually it becomes popular among the upper echelons of society, and then widely enters the everyday life of the people and is more often perceived as an object of true art.

The basis of this art in Japan is not the idea of extending the previous life of a plant, but the idea of creating a “second reality”, a special microcosm that recreates nature at a new level. The Japanese master usually begins teaching ikebana with a story about two episodes from the history of this art. The famous master of the tea ceremony, Senno Rikyu (16th century), created an original composition by placing flowers in a vessel made from a piece of bamboo. During the making of this vase, the bamboo was slightly cracked, so water slowly dripped from the crack in the vase. In response to the puzzled questions of the students, stunned by the extraordinary beauty of ikebana and not knowing whether the composition could be considered perfect, since the vessel in it was cracked, Senno Rikyu replied: “And my life also cracked.” This vase later became one of Japan's national treasures. Another story is also connected with the name of this famous master. The then ruler of Japan, Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi, wanted to see his garden, famous for its beautiful dodder flowers. Early in the morning he arrived at this garden, and his amazement was great when he saw that all the flowers had been cut and only one had been made into an ikebana in his honor. Senno Rikyu explained his strange behavior to the guest: “Many flowers would distract your attention, but this one, the most beautiful, is designed to embody the beauty of the entire garden.”

4 pp., 1847 words

Art of Japan

... the development of painting, which also influenced the art of sculpture: the masters began to devote more ... at the request of the clergy, even before the completion of the gilding of this sculpture. The gigantic ... sculptures have sharply decreased. The development of stone sculpture in Japan was hampered by the lack of suitable materials. Until... strict adherence to the canon. At the same time, Buddhist sculpture became more diverse. ...

Plant material - the actual arrangement of branches, flowers and herbs - is designed in ikebana according to strict standards, the stylistic originality of ikebana is expressed most clearly by one or another ratio of the main structural elements - “branches”. Usually there are three of them, but there are also from two to nine. The features of the ikebana style are embodied in the nature of the geometric figure that it forms, and in the organization of space, in the outline of the voids between the main structural elements.

Japanese ikebana schools

In addition to the traditional Ikenobo, there are also more modern techniques for arranging bouquets. In 1897, a new style of ikebana appeared - Moribana. This school trains masters to create compositions in flat vessels and low vases. They use metal tattoos - kenzans. The stems of plants or flowers are pinned onto vertical needles, which ensures fixation in the desired position. Kenzan is usually placed in a low vessel, hidden with plant material, and to prevent the flowers from wilting, the vase is filled with water.

Ikebana in citrus style

To create a catchy vitamin composition we will need:

peels of orange, tangerine, lime, prepared and dried in advance
lavender leaves and flowers
cones of conifers - pine, cedar or alder.

The process of creating vitamin ikebana is as simple as possible. The prepared elements are laid out in a flat glass container, distributing them sparingly to obtain a holistic composition.

Ikebana is sprinkled with ground ginger or hydrangea petals on top. Be convinced that vitamin ikebana will not only decorate your home, but will also fill it with an invigorating citrus scent.