Ikebana Japanese Flower Arranging

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Ikebana is a form of Zen

The custom of offering flowers to Buddha in the 6th century is believed to be the beginning of the fine art of Ikebana. Ikebana, the Japanese word for flower arrangement, is based upon certain principles which are recognized the world over. The love of line, so characteristic of all Oriental art is perhaps the most salient feature in differentiating the Japanese flower arrangement from all others. When the artist creates a design it is a form of Moving Meditation.

Materials for Ikebana may be classified roughly as flowers, branches, driftwood, grasses, roots, stones and pebbles or crushed stone, and sometimes sand. It takes some practice and an artistic flair to select just the right materials for each arrangement.

It is generally accepted that Ikebana owes much to the age-old Tea Ceremony known as cha no yu. It is both a fine art and a religious philosophy.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.

Do You Love Iris?

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia

This photo is a beautiful example of an Ikebana flower arrangement.

There are several schools of Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging). All of them include inspirations, styles, philosophy, history and technique. The flower arranger must be versed in the true way of living by cultivating the mind, purging the heart of evil and having a pure state of body and soul. Ikebana is intended to delight the spirit. The best flower arrangers acquire a profound knowledge of plant life through observation of nature. Creativity and originality is important in Ikebana. Ikebana is a contemplative art.

A large expanse of water is frequently part of the design. It is stressed that the arrangement of flowers should appear to be growing. This is in contrast to the way commonly used in the West where the flowers are cut and bunched together in a vase but they do not resemble the way they grow in nature.

If you really love irises, you are bound to love this!

Train Yourself With This Set of Two DVDs

Ikenobo Symposium 2005 in Las Vegas: Ikebana Demonstrations

Amazon Price: $34.95 (as of 02/18/2012)Buy Now

This 2-DVD set contains ikebana demonstrations presented to the public in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Ikenobo Ikebana Society of Nevada. These videos offer a rare and close-up view of the 45th-generation Headmaster and his staff as exquisite works of living art are created with detailed explanation.

In Volume 1, Headmaster Sen'ei Ikenobo demonstrates six arrangements. Professor Shimuta follows him with an additional three arrangements.

In Volume 2, the Headmaster and his staff create a large, celebratory free style arrangement. They are followed by a performance of the Reishiki-ike formal flower arranging ceremony.

Demonstrations are given in Japanese with English translation. The Reishiki-ike ceremony is narrated in English.

Agate Kenzans and Flower Vase Combined

Agate Ikebana Flower Vase

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Aren't these lovely? So pretty as well as functional

Wishing You Blessings in the Coming Year

Kodo, The Way of Flowers

In Japan there is a word "hana" that refers to flowers, the bloom, the stem, evergreens, flowering trees, flowerless trees and reeds. These are the materials of the Ikebana artist. In modern times often feathers, wire or metal are included as materials.

Sogetsu is the largest school, followed closely by the Ohara School, and in third place the Ikenobo School which is the most ancient and most traditional. Ikenobo is the place where Ikebana was born. Many other (around 3,000) schools abound some of the fastest growing schools include Ichiyo, Saga, The Koru, The Soami and the Chiko Schools. Click to learn more about the Saga School which started at Daikakuji Temple.

Ikebana I




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Basic Three Elements in Ikebana Design




In accordance with Zen teaching, simplicity is the secret of good Ikebana.

The Three Elements in Ikebana are: Shin or Heaven, Soe or Man - the activator of all things between Heaven and Earth, and Hikae or Earth where all living things take form. Some schools call Hikae Tai. So the principle element is Heaven and is the tallest. Then next in between is Soe the next shortest. And the lowest element is Hikae or Tai.

Often the Japanese will use a one flower arrangement called "ichi rin ike" which is simple and economical although elegant.

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Yellow Rose w Pink Trim Mousepad by Rinchen365flower
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Step 1: Choose a Vase for your Ikebana Creation


Horsehair Pottery Vase in Red




One of the first things you will need to create your Ikebana is a suitable vase or container. The container must fit in with the line of the total arrangement. Here are a few ideas.
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Step 2: Acquire the Tools of Ikebana Art

Ikebana requires some unique tools specific to the art, such as these.

Kenzan Flower Holder Frog #M2030

Kenzan Flower Holder Frog #M2030

Kenzan with sharp heavy brass spikes for the inside more...1 point

Ikebana Hasami Bonsai Shears

Ikebana Hasami Bonsai Shears

This professional grade, right-tailed Ikebana Hasa more...1 point

Step 3: If You Can Afford It Travel to Japan to Study with an Ikebana Master

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Step 4: Travel to Japan (optional)

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Orchids Are Dramatic and Simple

I've also seen some very realistic artificial orchids - good for between fresh flower arrangements. This could be another winter solution, but make sure they look very real.

Whooo Hooo - It is Spring and time to start planning your garden. Plant some great flowers to use in your Ikebana arrangements. You will save over buying all your flowers at the florist. Order Live Plants

Add a Touch of Feng Shui for Romance to Your Arrangements

Mandarin Ducks on Lotus Leaf - 2.6 Feng Shui animals for romance and love luck

Way Cool - This Len's Has Received Four Angel Blessings!

Today, July 31, 2010, I received an Angel Blessing from d-artist. Thanks SOOOO much!

NanLT also blessed this lens on Sept. 8th, 2010. What Fun!

SquidAngel chemknitsblog blessed your lens 01/17/2011 - I'm on a roll now!

On November 30, 2011 it received it's fourth blessing from Ilon!a1 - Woot

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More Fun With Ikebana

Ikebana demands an artistic eye and some background information on the symbolism.
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How to Make an Authentic Ikebana Arrangement

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Keep the Rainforest with You on Your iPhone Case

Get Ikebana Things on Auction

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Decorate Your Room With This Unique Item

Who knows? You could also use this as a container for a very large ikebana arrangement with long cat-tails or bamboo or tall grasses.

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Seasonal Materials for Ikebana - What About Winter?

Berries and seed pods are excellent seasonal materials for Ikebana. Bleached materials are also good resources and can provide stark white lines to an arrangement. Bamboo works year round as does dry wood. Dried cattails and pussy willows are often incorporated in arrangements. You can also add Japanese dolls.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

Omiyage Means Gift in Japanese

Omiyage : Handmade Gifts from Fabric in the Japanese Tradition

Amazon Price: $11.89 (as of 02/18/2012)Buy Now

Bestselling author Kumiko Sudo creates 45 exquisite handmade gifts in fabric, each with a flair that is uniquely Japanese. Easy-to-follow patterns, beautiful photographs, and colorful step-by-step drawings help the projects come together quickly­­--many in less than an hour. Whether they are created in kimono silks or in contemporary cottons, these tiny boxes, purses, decorative toys, incense pouches, and good luck charms all make delightful gifts.

Womens Classic Oriental Silk-like Jacket

Wear this when you do your ikebana.

Womens Classic Oriental Silk-like Jacket. Very high quality Far East style dress jacket features large embroidered flowers on the front. Traditional mandarin collar and sculpted closures. Very high quality Asian style top that is bound to impress.

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# Far east Oriental Style jacket with high quality embroidered flower pattern.
# 50% Viscose 50% Raso, high quality silk-like material, machine washable.
# Traditional mandarin collar and sculpted closures.
# Very unique Asian style top that's guaranteed to turn heads!

Gift Baskets for the Gardener

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A Resource for Contemporary Ikebana

Contemporary Ikebana

Amazon Price: $60.52 (as of 02/18/2012)Buy Now

Each page represents an artist's expression of creativity and ability to design in a large environment. Unexpected materials, or natural materials used in unexpected space, coupled with magnificent photography inspire the reader to think "outside the box" and be inspired to add these dimensions to his/her own design style.

Four Schools of Ikebana

Ikenobo School

The first school of Ikebana was the Ikenobo School. In 794, Prince Shotoku of Japan ordered his Prime Minister to take charge of the Rokkakudo Temple in Kyoto and to practice the rite of flower offering.

Ohara School of Ikebana

Started by Unshin Ohara in 1912, by traveling to other countries, he introduced Ikebana to the outside world. At the same time, he was introduced to Western flowers. To replace the tall, narrow mouthed containers generally used, he designed low, flat wide surfaced containers, the style of container, the placement of branches and the use of Western flowers became known as Moribana.

Chico School of Ikebana

The Chico School of Ikebana began in 1927 by Mrs. Tomika Naruse. This school uses the scenic approach in order to illustrate a story. It is often constructed on a tray or flat base. Fine sand is spread with a feather to represent paths, ponds and mountain relections. This is the only Ikebana school which uses figurines.

Sogetsu School of Ikebana

The Sogetsu School of Ikebana was founded by Sofu Teshigahara in 1927.He broke away from the traditions of the classical styles of flower arrangement and encouraged his students to be more creative and imaginative. The Sofetsu School holds that anyone can arrange Ikebana in any place, at any time, using any material. Once the basic techniques have been mastered, there are no limits.

Once You Have Been Trained

After training in the basic concepts of Ikebana you can leap ahead creatively and try Free-Style Arranging such as this one.

Poll - What's the Best School of Ikebana?

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Songs For Japan

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