Ikebana
|
The word ikebana means "to give life to flowers" and thus the purpose of
Japanese flower arrangement is to arrange cut flowers and grasses in a way
which artistically recreates their natural setting. The art of flower
arrangement was originally introduced to Japan from China and the peak of
refinement was reached in the early 15th century. Many schools, old and
relatively new, perpetuate this tradition today and ikebana is an essential
accomplishment for the well-educated Japanese bride.
The oldest school is that of lkenobo, which traces its history back to the
7th century. In this school, arrangements fall into two categories : rikka
(standing flowers) and nageire (thrown-in flowers, applied to arrangements
in tall vases). It was from the rikka style that the most basic elements of
the art were drawn, the triangle of three branches: shin (up-standing), soe
(supporting) and nagashi (flowing).
|
|