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I. Japanese Flower Arranging [Ikebana]
A. The Importance of Flowers and Trees to the Japanese
Arrangement from the Wafu School of Ikebana
The Japanese people have a deep respect for nature and flowers are important part of their art. Certain flowers have special meanings. Drawings or paintings of flowers are used to decorate clothing, furniture, and even family crests [family symbols]. Inside their homes many Japanese have an alcove or special place that is decorated with flowers and plants to show the changing of the seasons. Japanese people often make field trips (like "pilgrimages") to see the flowers and trees in different seasons.
Here are some of the meanings of certain flowers and trees to the Japanese:
Plum blossoms: "Almost before the winter snows have melted, the barren landscape welcomes the blooming of the plum tree, whose fragrant and delicate blossoms of the snowy white or light pink share, with the angular tree itself, older people's special admiration. The Japanese see the contrast between the knotted trunks and young green shoots as symbolic of age and youth - one bent and crabbed, the other fresh and vigorous, suggesting that in spite of age, the charm and joy of youth can always rise anew." From A Gift of Japanese Flowers by A. Koehn
The lotus flower of midsummer is a symbol of truth, perfection, and immortality [never dying]. Roots come from muddy pools, and the flower emerges always fresh and clean. Buddhism uses this symbol for the Buddha's life - born in the problems and darkness of society, he grew to become pure and truthful, suggesting that a pure and lovely spirit can lift itself above worldliness to live in peaceful serenity [peace, calm].
The peony is called the "flower of twenty days" because of its short blooming season. It is especially favored by the upper classes and is considered a symbol of prosperity [wealth, becoming rich].
The morning glory is associated with mortality because its life is so short, but its beauty of its brief blooming is a joy to be remembered.
The chrysanthemum, The flower of Autumn - It is the symbol of longevity [long life] because it blooms longer than most flowers. It is used at gatherings celebrating a man's retirement from public office since it suggests a life of well-deserved ease.
The pine is the hardiest [strong, tough, can live through disasters] and noblest of all evergreens. Artists see rhythm of line in its wind-twisted branches and ruggedness of character in its defiance of storms. In Japanese art this tree is associated with the crane and the tortoise, and in flower decoration thick gnarled branches of pine are used to convey the idea of a strong and happy old age. No happy occasion is complete without its honored presence.
1. Cherry blossoms painted by Marguerite Carideo 2. Plum blossoms (photo) 3. Chrysanthemum 4. Lotus flower
Learn more...
Learn more about the meaning of flowers in Japanese art at Noble Flowers Designs at the Kyoto National Museum.
See Seasonal Arrangements of a school of ikebana.
B. How is Japanese flower arranging different from American styles?
Americans tend to emphasize the quantity [the amount, how many] and colors of the flowers. They pay attention mainly to the beauty of the blossoms,
The Japanese emphasize the linear [line] parts of the arrangement and have developed the art to include the vase, stems, leaves, and branches, as well as the flowers.
The entire structure of a Japanese flower arrangement is based on three main lines that symbolize heaven, earth, and humankind.
C. The History of Flower Arranging [Ikebana]
Ancient China influenced Japan strongly in many areas of culture, including Ikebana, "The Way of the Flower". The early ideas traveled to Japan with Chinese monks, but the formalization of the Art occurred through many generations of devoted Japanese Masters. They developed new forms from basic ideas that had been taught. Schools were set up to pass on the heritage to new generations and these became the workshops where the art of a Japanese style of flower arranging developed. Ikebana is very popular today and is practiced throughout many cultures of the world.
Thus, the origins of ikebana can be traced back to ritual flower offerings in Buddhist temples, which began in the sixth century. Both the flowers and the branches were made to point toward heaven as an indication of faith.
The picture below shows the symbolic importance of flowers in Buddhism. Note that the Buddha and his assistants are standing on lotus flowers and other flowers appear in this ancient painting.
A more sophisticated [educated, not simple] style of flower arrangement, called rikka (standing flowers), emerged in the fifteenth century. The rikka style seeks to reflect the magnificence of nature. Flowers were arranged to depict a mythical mountain of Buddhist cosmology [belief about the universe] and a symbol of the universe. This style involves much symbolism. For example, pine branches symbolize rocks and stones, and white chrysanthemums symbolize a river or small stream. The rikka style enjoyed its heyday [its greatest popularity] in the seventeenth century. Today it is regarded as an antiquated [old fashioned] form of flower arrangement and is rarely practiced anymore.
More changes in the history of ikebana took place during the fifteenth century, when the Muromachi shogun [military leader] ruled Japan. The large buildings and small houses that he had built expressed his love for simplicity [simple things]. These small houses contained an alcove, or place where people could place objects of art and flower arrangements. It was during this period that the rules of ikebana were simplified so that people of all classes could enjoy the art.
Other styles have developed in recent years.
Copyright, Tokyo National Museum
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