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Ikebana

(Ee-kay-bah-nah) a Japanese word literally meaning "living flowers" refers to the Japanese way of arranging flowers for aesthetic enjoyment. Ikebana is a special part of Japan's traditional culture. Ikebana grew out of the religious sentiments of the earliest Japanese who attributed a spiritual role to all things in nature-rocks, trees, water, flowers, etc. Flowers were first placed on altars as offerings to deities. This led to the arrangement of flowers in artistic creations meant to evoke pleasurable feelings.

By the 8th century, flowers, often in combination with poetry, were a significant part of the aesthetic life of upper class Japanese. By the 16th century, ikebana exhibitions and contests had become institutionalized in Japanese culture. Ikebana masters were leading members of Japanese society, patronized by the Imperial Court, wealthy merchants, and samurai families.

During this era the influence of the Tea Ceremony and Ikebanamasters contributed to a new kind of architecture and interior decoration which included reed- mat floors and an alcove that featured a hanging scroll and a flower arrangement attuned to the season. This resulted in ikebnaa becoming an intimate part of the lives of all Japanese.

Using flowers to commune with beauty and the spiritual side of nature remains one of the most appealing facets of Japanese culture, and continues to grow in popularity around the world.

Text taken from Caravan Cultural Word card. Text by Boye Lafayette De Mente Caravan cards are sold at 'Hanayagi' The Japanese Garden Shop, Inc.

'Hanayagi' The Japanese Garden Shop, Inc.
has a large selection of of ikebana containers, supplies and materials.

Classes in Ichiyo Ikebana are held at the shop. For further information on classes, workshops, materials, containers etc., please contact us by phone, mail or e-mail.

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