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Ikebana, the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging, has been practiced
for more than 600 years. It has evolved during this long period from what
were originally Buddhist offerings that were placed on the alter of temples
into a developed art form free of its religious origins that are displayed
in the home. Practitioners use flowers, branches, and leaves to create
living pieces of art that show the unique beauty and character of each
stem. It is practiced and enjoyed by people all over the world.
Ikebana is different from Western floral arrangements in its use of “empty” space and asymmetrical forms. The design of the arrangement also uses as few stems as possible – less is more – showcasing the elegant line of the material or the beauty of the flower. A sense of harmony among the materials, the container and the space around them are also crucial.
The practice of ikebana can also be a meditative process by taking the time to carefully look at each stem, finding the best line or angle to highlight the beauty of the stem, and finally being conscious of the space in which the composition will be placed. The time spent in communication with the materials provides a respite from today’s stressful and busy lives. It also brings a bit of nature indoors helping to calm the soul and adding beauty to the spaces in which we live, work, and play.
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