Since its origin, a studied art form in the 15th century, Ikebana has progressed along avenues so diversified as to make it a strong and virile art demanding the attention of all who come into contact with it.
This strong, enduring interest is manifested in the many elaborate exhibitions held annually in Japan’s biggest department stores. Viewed by thousands of spectators, they provide one of the most important facets of the national culture.
Where Ikebana Originate
Steeped in Buddhism, Ikebana originated in a large massive arrangement known as “Rikka,” meaning standing flowers. These magnificent arrangements, often consisting of 14 or 15 varieties of flowers and measuring up to 40’ feet in height, symbolized the mythical.
Mount Mehru of Buddhist and Hindu cosmology. Although the arrangement comprised up to 11 primary branches, three branches dominated the arrangement and formed an asymmetrical triangle which has been the basis for all schools of Ikebana.
When the power shifted from the feudal lords to the merchant class during the 17th century, a demand arose for a simplified arrangement. As a result, a three-branch asymmetrical style emerged, known as the Shoka or Seika style.
This style was also known as the Ten, Chi, Jin or heaven, earth, man style, and emphasized the natural growth of plant life. Truly a linear style of floral art, it demanded rigid adherence to form, a combination of materials, and container use.
Early this century, a new style of Ikebana was known as “moribana,” or an arrangement in a low bowl. This arrangement style allowed greater freedom in the placement of the branches and the choice and combinations of materials.
Modern Form of Ikehana
In present-day Japan, modern living has produced a modern form of Ikehana, which has greatly impacted Japan and abroad.
In its new and revolutionary approach, any material, whether floral or otherwise, so long as it has good form, is considered suitable for an Ikebana arrangement.
Emphasis is placed on the arrangement being naturalistic or on using nature. In this case, many arrangements appear as true art forms utilizing material previously unheard of in Ikebana.
The arrangements illustrated here were photographed in one of Tokyo’s biggest department stores during the all-Japan exhibition of the Koryu school.
This school, one of the foremost in Japan, was founded in the 17th century. Formerly a school of purely classical design, it now has its modern section in which students are encouraged to be creative.
These arrangements show the diversified styles which can develop within one school using the asymmetrical triangle as the basic theme.
44659 by Norman J. Sparnon