| "Ikebana" (Japanese flower arrangement) Ikebana, the Japanese flower arrangement, originated from folk customs when people used "sakaki", an ever-green tree (Cleyera ochnacea) that was widely considered as a dwelling place for deity and other flowers and trees to dedicate to the deity, which dates back to the era earlier than the transmission of Buddhism. The purpose of ikebana gradually changed to the form of personal appreciation rather than that of a religious context. In Muromachi period (1338-1573), while the culture of Cha-no-yu (tea ceremony) and Noh became popular, a new style of architecture called "Sho-in zukuri" appeared. Sho-in zukuri is the origin of contemporary Japanese houses that has a room with an alcove, shelves and a study. In accordance with appearance of such alcove, a new style of ikebana arrangement called "Tatebana", where the flower were put into a vase raised, became predominant as one of the styles. From this time, the origin of all schools of ikebana, "Ikenobo" appeared and the principle of ikebana arrangement was established, whose ideas were focused not only on appreciation of beauty, but on fostering the mental discipline to care for the life of nature while in contemplation of philosophical enlightenment in life. Meanwhile, other style called "Nageire" which is a method to slant and put flowers into a vase existed at the same time, and it was commonly used during the tea ceremonies. Tatebana has seen the highest stage of development in Edo period, the style became even more polished and increased in its' complexity, however, more simpler style of Nageire was widely accepted among common people and became more popular than Tatebana. Since the Nageire was a simple arrangement without predetermined stylistic methods, it was further stylized and elevated to a proper decoration for the rooms. Thus it founded the origin of what is currently called Ikebana, which is a simple yet a formal art became very popular and widely spread. In Meiji period (1868 - 1912) when western culture was adopted in the life style, new styles such as "Ohara-ryu" and "Sougetu-ryu" that was suitable for the style of the times emerged. After World War II, an avant-garde style gave delight to people, where lifeless iron pieces and glasses were sometimes adopted with the flowers to give them life. In this way, a traditional culture of Ikebana has been in continuous development for over 500 years all the while reflecting harmony with the space and environment of the era, the unique and introspective sense of beauty and the element of inner development. Formerly, women generally practiced ikebana as one of the social graces to acquire before marriage. Nowadays, western style of arrangement is popular as well and people are inclined to enjoy the arrangement of flower as interior decoration or just as hobby. It seems that this culture of arranging flowers will stay with us and develop ever further for quite a while. (End)  Sogetsukai HP: http://www.sogetsu.or.jp/begin_en.html Sogetsukai Gallery: http://www.sogetsu.or.jp/sogetsu_hyakuren/hyakuren_e.html |
