Ikebana is the oldest art of composing compositions from flowers and tree branches, which teaches to contemplate. This is the ability to see beauty in the simple. That is why, when drawing up a Japanese bouquet, you do not need to use intricate elements and overdo it with decor. The composition should look as natural as possible.
The basis for ikebana is a special device - kenzan. It is a metal square or rectangle with thorns, between which stems of flowers and branches are inserted. You can find kenzan in flower shops or do it yourself by hammering carnations into a wooden plank. You can also use a damp floral sponge as a base. Sometimes a sponge is strung on a kenzan to retain moisture. The main thing for the base is that it holds the stems in the right position and fits the size of the vase.
In accordance with the idea and purpose of the composition, ikebana can be placed either in a long glass or porcelain vessel, or in a flat ceramic vessel. Experts advise choosing a solid vase, because nothing should distract from the contemplation of the flower arrangement. The size of the vase is usually determined by the proportions of the ikebana. To calculate the length of the stem that forms the basis of the bouquet, you need to measure the depth of the vessel and add one and a half of its diameter to this figure.
There are several schools of ikebana, which are guided by different rules and recommendations for composing compositions. At the same time, there are a number of general guidelines for any Japanese floral arrangement. One of the main ones is the presence of three symbols in ikebana: the sky, the earth and the person between them. The stem of the flower, representing the sky, is considered the main element of ikebana. This is usually the longest part of the composition. Two-thirds of it is the length of the stem, which symbolizes a person, and even lower is a flower or branch that personifies the earth. This base is then framed with other elements. One more rule of ikebana: in it, as in nature, there should not be anything symmetrical.
Each element in authentic ikebana carries a certain meaning. For example, a composition can convey the mood of a particular season. So, hawthorn branches, at the base with chrysanthemums and asparagus, symbolize the transition from winter to spring. Chrysanthemums are a symbol of joy, bare branches represent winter, and dried berries represent the past. The bends of the branches in ikebana and the swollen buds on them are a sign of spring and the future, the blossoming buds and leaves of a juicy green color symbolize summer and life in the present. Pine branches symbolize eternal youth, bamboo - success and prosperity, iris - courage, roses - beauty, orchids - joy. You can also be guided in the selection of flowers for ikebana by your own perception and mood. But if you want to hide a deep meaning in the composition, then it is better to turn to specialists.
