Ikebana explained: The Japanese art of flower arranging
When it comes to flowering arranging, we don't often think of minimalism and perfect precision – but those are the principles of the Japanese art of 'Ikebana'.
Forget dazzling, bumper floral displays that add a pop of colour to a neutral room, or catch your eye as the first thing you see in a hallway, ikebana is all about stripping things back to bring out the inner qualities of flowers, and other live materials, and express emotion.
This specific type of artisan floristry has evolved into a highly-respected art form that reflects the Japanese aesthetic sense and philosophy.
Below is everything to know about the Japanese art form and how it can inspire your next floral arrangement…
What is ikebana?
Ikebana is counted as one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement (also known as kadō), along with kōdō for incense appreciation and chadō for tea and the ceremony around it.
Phoebe Mulrooney, florist and founder of floral studio PHOHM, tells Country Living: “Ikebana displays focus on the beauty of nature through use of balance using line and form to highlight the beauty of negative space.
“Unique branches and intriguing floral stems aesthetically define these arrangements, but the principles and philosophy behind ikebana are much more deep-rooted in Buddhist history.”
In ikebana, the arrangement of flowers is not just about creating a pleasing visual effect (as seen through the symmetry in Western displays), but also about expressing a sense of balance, harmony, and the beauty of impermanence.
What are the two types?
There are two types of ikebana; Rikka and Nageire.
Rikka, which translates to ‘standing flowers', is a traditional style of ikebana and typically uses 9 or 7 stem positions to guide flower placements. It's the more complex of the two types and uses pine or other tree branches to complement the flowers.
Phoebe says: "These Rikka displays have deep Buddhist roots and arrangements are created using a variety of flowers and branches. Symbolically, each stem represents elements of the natural landscape, such as mountains and waterfalls."
Whereas Nageire, which translates as ‘thrown in’, breaks from the 9 prescribed positions and showcases flowers in their living form. Instead, it focuses on the form of the flowering plant in a vase – this differs from Rikka, which focuses more on evoking a scene in nature.
Phoebe continues: "Flowers and branches are supported by a tall vase and arranged in an asymmetric, minimal way. The beauty of Nageire displays lies in the masterful use of negative space, which enhances the natural elegance of each arrangement.”
What are the rules of ikebana?
Phoebe explains that the Japanese art form follows a set of guiding principles, that shape each arrangement. She outlines some of the key rules below:
Balance and harmony: The arrangement needs to maintain balance through the careful placement of flowers, branches, and leaves, reflecting the harmony between nature and the arranger.
Asymmetry: Unlike the symmetry often seen in Western arrangements, ikebana embraces asymmetry to create a more dynamic and natural flow.
Focus on line: The lines created by the stems and branches are crucial, guiding the viewer's eye and giving the arrangement its character.
Use of negative space: The empty spaces within an arrangement are just as important as the elements themselves, adding to the composition's simplicity and elegance.
Seasonality: Ikebana often reflects the changing seasons, with each season’s flowers and plants representing different emotions and themes.
What flowers are used in ikebana?
Phoebe adds: “Traditional ikebana displays often include culturally significant flowers like cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums, and irises. Unique shapes, colours, and forms are often selected to highlight natural beauty.
“This flexibility in flower choice allows for creativity and personal expression, all within the framework of ikebana principles.
“In modern day ikebana – particularly that of Western influences – there are no limits to the vessel you use or the natural materials you choose to create your ikebana display. For example using moss, fruit, branches or flowers can create really visually intriguing and unique displays."
According to traditional ikebana principles, things to consider are: what florals are in season at that time, symbolism (in other words, what do these stems represent either traditionally or to you personally), as well as what you want to express from the design of your arrangement.
Phoebe continues: "This is a lot more subjective and can convey many different emotions and feelings based on the artist.”
How to try Ikebana at home
Maryam Ghani, of Haute Florist, tells Country Living: “Learning the art can take a lifetime but it’s possible for anyone to get the right tools and enjoy making their own interpretation.
To start, she explains you will need a shallow vase that can hold some water but will allow you to see the flowers in their glory.
Maryam adds: “Then take an artistry pin, which uses spikes to hold stems in place. Ideally you want three core elements to form part of your display that represent heaven, earth and mankind.
“For example, water grass could be combined with a tall black ruscus and vibrant orange lilies.
“Take your time placing the elements neatly in their vase. You could use the water grass to encircle the bottom of the vase and allow the ruscus and lilies to stand proudly on their own, which recognises the ikebana value of celebrating natural beauty.
“Whether you spend hours carefully positioning everything, so it’s exactly how you want, or you enjoy 10 minutes connecting with the flowers, that’s all that matters."
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