A harmonious arrangement

NT Features

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arranging using blossoms, branches, leaves, and stems. It is an art form; unlike the usual way of casually placing flowers in a vase. Ikebana aims to bring out the hidden qualities of flowers. The four principles of ikebana are a fresh approach, movement, balance and harmony.

Ikebana arrangements are like a sculpture. Colour, line, form, and function are important to making one. The forms are varied, and can range in terms of size and composition – from a single flower to one that has a plethora of flowers, branches, and other natural objects.

In Japanese culture, most native flowers, plants, and trees are embedded with symbolic meaning and are associated with certain seasons. Therefore in traditional ikebana, both symbolism and seasonality are considered while developing arrangements. Ikebana symbolises the beauty of all components of the natural world working in harmony. Ikebana practitioners use not just flowers and greenery but also twigs, moss, stones, and even fruit.

Modern ikebana practices call for the same sensitivity to seasons. A mix of tree branches and two or three flowers like pine, chrysanthemum, irises, and boxwood are commonly used. Sometimes, practitioners of ikebana, trim flowers and branches into various shapes, or even paint the leaves. Sometimes, arrangements are even mounted in a vase. You can add height and dimension to your ikebana by cutting a few branches or flowers at a lower height than the rest. A layered formation adds depth and height.

In ikebana, it is not enough to have beautiful materials if the materials are not used to recreate something much more beautiful. Whatever you do just keep in mind that the whole arrangement must look balanced and contained.

Four main styles of ikebana arrangement
Rikka (standing flowers), Nagarie (throw in), Moribana (piled-up), Shokai (living flowers)