Ikebana–an ancient flower-arranging tradition from 6th century Japan–is beginning to assert itself in the floral scene, and it’s easy to see why. The method is rooted in Buddhist tradition, having evolved from the pilgrim’s habit of leaving floral offerings at temples. Eventually, it became an art practiced by women of the upper class, a school in Kyoto was opened (it’s still there today), and there were several interpretations of Ikebana to choose from in your practice. Generally speaking, the core of Ikebana is the idea that we should be able to see the whole world in one flower, and, like haiku, each composition intends to capture that by invoking seasons and the various stages of a flower’s growth.
A traditional composition is triangular in nature, featuring three floral elements of different heights. Seasonality drives the selection of elements, but each carries lots of meaning: the tallest floral represents heaven, the lowest earth, and whatever’s in the middle represents man, who aims to reconcile the two. Most arrangements are spare, intentional and extremely controlled, which is part of their allure. Ikebana is about negotiating between dualities and striking a balance; that gives each design loads of interest and real singularity.
“Standing flowers” or tatehana, describes one approach where the flowers involved in the design appear to be holding themselves upright (in reality, a “frog” is usually placed at the bottom of the container that holds the flowers in place). With nageire, the flowers lean against the container as if they were tossed there.
This kind of Japanese minimalism is catching on in the floral world, where it’s even showing up in wedding designs. The elegance and sculptural appeal of this type of floral work lends itself to a deeply meaningful occasion like a wedding. Luckily, Ikebana is being reinterpreted by floral artists today who feel liberated from all of the original rules that governed the form. Shapes may be triangular or simply angular, hinting at the tension between heaven and earth in a more subtle fashion. The end result? Stunning reception centerpieces that reflect the best of modern Ikebana.
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