Literally, translated from Japanese “ikebana” means fresh flowers. But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance. Ikebana is a traditional Japanese art of arrangement with a long history, different styles and special precepts.
Ikebana: a little history and interesting facts
Ikebana originated in the 15th century and initially carried a religious character, being a kind of gift to the gods in Japanese temples. In addition to fresh flowers, ikebana can include berries, leaves, herbs, grapes, fruits, inflorescences, dried flowers and herbs, as well as artificial plants and dummies. Every detail in ikebana carries a special symbolism, here everything matters. The shape of the vase, the combination of materials, color - everything should be combined into one composition in accordance with the rules and commandments.
Ikebana is one of the arts that geisha must master. This art is taught in certain schools. Currently, there are about 3,000 of them in Japan. The most famous are 3 ikebana schools: Ikenobo, Ohara, Sogetsu. Each of them has its own characteristics. So, for example, ikenobo is the founder of the old styles of ikebana: Shoka and Rikka (styles for religious rituals and celebrations).
Ohara introduced the world to a new style of ikebana - moribana. The arrangement of the plants is done in a low flat vase that can hold water. To fix the plants, special metal hairpins or holders with open nests are used.
Sogetsu is the most modern ikebana school. Its main difference is the use of stones, fabrics, metal, plastic and other types of inanimate material. The founder of Sogetsu is Sofu Tesigahara, an innovative sculptor. In the West, it is called the "Picasso of Flowers". In addition, he is the author of the ikebana commandments.
Ikebana: the basic commandments of Sofu Tesigahara
Ikebana is not just a flower arrangement. This is a floral sculpture that brings harmony, beauty and balance. But in order to achieve this level of mastery, it is necessary to have knowledge and adhere to the basic commandments.
Ikebana should be appropriate for the occasion and time (season) for which it is created. Even one flower and one branch should reflect the greatness of nature. When working with plants, you must mentally have a conversation with them.
If flowers are the main element in the composition, the vase should be simple and unpretentious. If, on the contrary, a vase is used as the main element, the plants should be selected modest and inconspicuous.
The golden straw basket matches perfectly with any plant. Flowers of a pale pink shade are in perfect harmony with a gray background. Compositions with bold contrast are sometimes the most winning option.
Tall and narrow vases should be used to combine multiple tree branches and flowers. The drawing on the vase should be in harmony with the overall composition. Cereals give the composition stability and graphics, and plants with flexible stems - softness and picturesqueness.
The material should be fixed so that the reverse side is not visible. The base should be beautiful and complete. During the preparation of the ikebana, the work should be viewed from a distance. The number of plants (even, odd) does not matter. The main thing is to achieve harmony and balance.
The worst enemy for flowers is not the lack of water, but the wind. Leaves and flowers should not overlap, and the back elements should be cut off. There should be one accent in the composition. Too proportional elements or the presence of 2-3 plants of the same size and color lead to its loss.
And most importantly: the eye, hand and heart of the composer should not be held captive by the rules.
