Ancient Japanese Art of Flower Arranging

Ikebana, which translates as "flowers kept alive" or "living flowers," is an ancient Japanese art form handed down by the upper classes from the 6h century, when it was first practiced in Buddhist temples.

History

• Early ikebana emphasized the pointing of flowers and stems toward heaven. A style called "rikka," or "standing flowers," developed about a 1,000 years later. Rikka's focus was the beauty of nature, and different flowers and positions had different symbolic meanings. In the late 16th century, a more freestyle version of ikebana emerged that was used with the tea ceremony.

Modern Ikebana

• Ikebana has continued to evolve and has been influenced by Western culture beginning in the late 19th century, when the moribana (piled-up flowers) style emerged, which uses shallow containers. The early 20th century saw the development of jiyuka, or freestyle ikebana. From the 1930s on, ikebana became a much more popular art among all social classes and began to gain popularity in other parts of the world.

Significance

• Ikebana emphasizes purity and harmony of line and form over the profusion of blooms typical of Western flower arrangements. The stems, leaves and container are all essential to the design, which focuses on three main elements, which symbolize heaven, humans, and earth. A standard part of an upper-class maiden's education, the art has deep philosophical and spiritual roots and must be practiced in silent contemplation.