38 JAPANESE STYLES OF FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

B. Loganayaki

Introduction

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement, also known as kadō,, the “way of flowers”. Instead of simply keeping flowers in a container, ikebana is a disciplined art form in which nature and humanity are brought together, In Ikebana mostly stems and leaves of the plants are used rather than multicolored arrangement of blossoms . Though ikebana is an expression of creativity, certain rules govern its form. Each arrangement has its own natural shapes and graceful lines. Another common aspect present in ikebana is its employment of minimalism. Some arrangements may consist of only a minimal number of blooms interspread among stalks and leaves. The structure of some Japanese flower arrangements is based on three main points to symbolize heaven, earth, and man. Use of these terms is limited to certain schools and is not customary in more traditional schools. The container can be a key element of the composition, and various styles of pottery may be used in their creation. In some schools the container is only regarded as a vessel to hold water and should be subordinate to the arrangement.

Objectives:

To understand the importance and history of Japanese flower arrangement
To know the general rules and basic styles of Ikebana
To learn the preservation of flower and foliage plant materials
To study the techniques of Bonsai and Terrarium

History of Japanese Arrangement:

During ancient times, offering flowers on the altar in honor of Buddha was part of worship. The first systematized classical styles of ikebana, including rikka, started in the middle of the fifteenth century; the first students and teachers of ikebana were Ikenobo Buddhist priests and members of the Buddhist community. As time passed, other schools emerged, styles changed, and ikebana became a custom among the whole of Japanese society. When Buddhism was introduced into Japan about middle of sixth Century,A.D., it must have been superimposed upon an earlier naturalistic religion with whose philiosophy it had much in common. The symbolism and tradition of early altar arrangements formed the basis for the art of Ikebana, they were later formalized into the first school of Ikebana. Through the centuries the concept of Ikebana was gradually modified and expanded from its original status as an entirely religious ceremonial activity to a broader interpretation that permitted its use for non-religious ornamental and decorative purposes, at first only by the nobility,but lalter by all Japanese.

Evolution of styles

Patterns and styles evolved, and by the late 15th century arrangements were common enough to be appreciated by ordinary people and not only by the imperial family and its retainers. Ikebana in the beginning was very simple, constructed from only a very few stems of flowers and evergreen branches. This first form of ikebana is called kuge. Styles of ikebana changed in the late 15th century and transformed into an art form with fixed instructions. The first styles were characterized by a tall, upright central stem accompanied by two shorter stems. During the Momoyama period, 1560–1600, splendid castles were constructed. Noblemen and royal retainers made large decorative rikka floral arrangements that were considered the most appropriate decoration for castles.

The Rikka (standing flowers) style was developed as a Buddhist expression of the beauty of landscapes in nature. Key to this style are nine branches that represent elements of nature.

When the tea ceremony emerged, another style was introduced for tea ceremony rooms called chabana. This style is the opposite of the Momoyama style and emphasizes rustic simplicity. The simplicity of chabana in turn helped create the nageire or “thrown-in” style.

Nageire is a non-structured design which led to the development of the seika or shoka style. It is characterized by a tight bundle of stems that form a triangular three-branched asymmetrical arrangement that was considered classic.

Seika or Shōka style consists of only three main parts, known in some schools as ten (heaven), chi (earth), and jin (human). It is a simple style that is designed to show the beauty and uniqueness of the plant itself. Formalization of the nageire style for use in the Japanese alcove resulted in the formal shoka style.

Jiyūka is a free creative design. It is not confined to flowers; every material can be used.

20th century styles

In the 20th century, with the advent of modernism, the three schools of ikebana partially gave way to what is commonly known in Japan as Free Style.

Moribana –upright style is considered as the most basic structure in ikebana. Moribana literally means “piled-up flowers” that are arranged in a shallow vase, compote vessel, or basket. Flowers are secured on kenzan or needlepoint holders, also known as metal frogs.
Moribana- slanting style is a reversed arranging style that can be used depending on the placement of the display or shapes of the branches. Branches that look beautiful when slanted are mostly chosen for this arrangement. This style gives a softer impression than the upright style.
Nageire –upright style is arranged in a narrow-mouthed, tall container without using kenzan or needlepoint holders. Nageire literally means “thrown in”. This is a simple arrangement that can contain just one flower and does not use frogs to hold the flower(s).
Nageire –slanted style presents a gentle touch and flexibility. It is ideal for beginners.
Nageire cascading style arrangements have the main stem hanging lower than the rim of the vase. A flexible material will create beautiful lines balancing with flowers.

The basic equipment needed for Japanese arrangement is listed below:

1. Floral wire– (wrapped in a green paper) is used to bind stems together. It is also used to make supports for arrangements done in a vase . Floral wire can be purchased from craft stores and floral supply stores.

2.Bamboo skewers -used when making arrangements in a vase.

3. The syringe pump -is to force water into the stems of water plants such as lotus and water lilies, and also to produce a fine mist of water to spray the leaves of the materials.. A regular mist bottle can also be used to spray the leaves.

4.Floral tape -is used to bind stems together and give extra support to weak stems. Brown colour tape is used for branches.

5.Ikebana scissors – are used for cutting the stems of flowers , leaves and larger tree branches. Regular garden shears will also work good. These equipments are shown in the following figure :

Floral wire, Bamboo skewers, syringe pump, Floral tape and Ikebana scissors

6. Kenzans

Kenzans are simply called as pin holders. These are available in different shapes and sizes. The type of kenzan depends upon the size of the container and the weight of the materials. Making a small arrangement in a tea cup or small bowl requires a small kenzan, while a larger arrangement in a basic ikebana container will require a larger kenzan. The other one is called as shippo, a traditional metal holder with partitions (these are used for large landscape arrangements and some moribana arrangements). Kenzan of different shapes and sizes and shippo is shown below

7. Containers

Any container that holds water can be used in ikebana flower arrangement. The beginners can practice with a simple container that will hold a kenzan . After learning and mastering the basic forms, larger arrangements can be created using larger containers. Vases in varying sizes and shapes with some textural effect can also be used for the arrangements as shown in the figure.

8. Plants and Flowers

For ikebana, the plants and flowers are the most important part of the entire process. The focus is on form and minimalism, rather than color and blossoms. Some forms of ikebana will focus on branches and stems that naturally slant, like flowering tree branches, pine branches, and long stemmed flowers. Other styles use straight materials, like bamboo. Fruit and seedpods are also often used. Chrysanthemums, peonies, and lotuses are the most common large flowers used. In addition to flowers, buds and seedpods all together represent a unity of the present, future, and past. Many other types of flowers, like wisteria, forsythia, rose, azalea, and more, can be used.

When an arrangement is made ,it is very important to keep it as long as possible. The following guidelines outlined will suggest conditioning of various types of flowers and stems to prolong their life.

Ø Sufficient water , especially fresh water should be added to the arrangement. A solution of ammonia and sugar when added to water will prolong the life of the flowers.

Ø Rotting leaves in the container should be removed which make the flower to drop rapidly.

Ø Flowers should not be positioned close to a radiator or direct sunlight. Also not to be exposed to the drought from a fan or window.

To improve the ability to take up water a variety of following stem treatments can be used:

1. When flowers are placed in the container, the leaves below the water level can be stripped off.

2.Plants with woody stems, eg, roses have difficulty in taking water through their stems. The last one inch of the woody stem is crushed with a hammer before plugging in water.

3.The plants with sap or latex will contaminate the water. The stem can be given a treatment by showing to lit candle will seal the stem but still allow water to be taken up into the stem.

4.Flowers that have stamens such as lilies, last longer if the stamens are removed. This should be either pinched out with finger or sniped of with sharp scissors.

5.Trimming of flowers (shortening the stems) is to fit the small containers and extend the life of flowers. Stems of flowers that are inclined to bend over can be straightened by wrapping them tightly in a few sheets of news paper.

Terrarium or bottle garden

It means growing plants in variety of closed containers. There are two types. In one method, a potted plant is placed inside a larger container with a lid. A very large container can hold several pots. In the second method, potting medium is placed directly in the container.

Designing a Terrarium

1.Contai ner-Container should be of clear transparent or translucent material(glass or plastic). Thr plant in the container should be clearly visible. Light colored material can enhance the display.Wine glasses, bell jars, glass bowls, glass bottles and aquarium tanks are sample of containers that can be used. The shape and size of the container and size of the neck opening determine the size and types of plants that can be grown. A bottle may be used in either a vertical or horizontal position for a terrarium.

2.Selecting Plants- The primary advantage of a terrarium is maintenance of humidity for plant growth. Cacti and succulants are therefore not recommended,unless t he container will be left open. It is desirable to select plants that are slow growing,such as bonsai. If several plants are to be planted together, it is best to choose plants that vary in leaf shape, size and color. Small leaves prevent overshadowing ofone plant by another and allow all plants in the display to be visible. Terrarium plants are commonly foliage plants. Plants suitable for terrarium are spider plant, prayer plant ,Christmas cactus table fern, button fern etc.

3.Tools- To deliver the planting medium into the bottle, for eg, a funnel may be used to direct the soil placement in order to avoid dirtying the inner walls. A spoon with a long handle are tied to a long stick or wire for increased reach, may be used as a mini spade to make planting holes and fill them after transplanting. Long forceps, a forked stick or a pair of long stick may be used to deliver plants into planting holes.

4.Planting medium- To provide good drainage, the bottom of container should first be lined with a layer of coarse material such as washed gravel, sand, or pieces of broken pottery. To prevent this reservoir for excess water from being destroyed, a layer of sphagnum moss may be spread over the drainage layer. To deodorize the closed environment, a small amount of activated charcoal may be sprinkled over the sphagnum moss.

5.Planting- Plants to be located near the side of the bottle should be planted first. Tallest one should be located in the centre and the shortest near container walls. Plants should be arranged such that no plant is obscured by another. After transplanting, water it by spraying and container is sealed to hold in moisture.

How to take care of terrarium?

Overwatering should be avoided. Too much watering is not advisable for the plants than too little. Watering is to be done at the base of the plant and not the leaves because they can easily rot. If moisture is needed, to prevent over watering, use a spoon, eyedropper or a water sprayer.

Excess water on the sides or bottom of terrarium is seen, open the container and allow some time for it to dry. Finally, keep in mind to prune plants to maintain them at the desired size.

Every two or three weeks, it is wise to ventilate a closed terrarium for a few hours. When opened for ventilation, examine the inside for dead branches or flowers that could lead to problems. whip the dead stuff away.

When the plants grow to the required size, pinch off the newest one to encourage bushier growth. When the plants inside a terrarium start encroaching on each other’s territory, divide off a section of the plant or, if it’s more feasible, lift the whole plant, diminish it, and replant a portion. When replanting, take care to bury all the roots and firm them into the soil. And always water a newly transplanted plant immediately after the transition.

When plants begin to press against the glass, they need to be pruned or moved to a larger vessel. Mosses can expand like sponges. Simply take scissors and then trim to diminish their girth.

Bonsai

Bonsai is a Japanese art form which denotes growing of trees in containers. Bonsai is not intended for production of food or medicine instead it focuses on long term cultivation and shaping of one or more small trees growing in a container. Bonsai can be created from any perennial woody-stemmed tree or shrub species that produces branches and can be cultivated to remain small in a container by root pruning.

Trees suitable for Bonsai

1.Japanese Maple-It is chosen for its lobed leaves, color, its adaptability, countless varieties and styles. It prefers a sunny air position but during very hot temperature, it should be placed in the light shade to prevent damaged leaves.

2. Ficus Religiosa- It is also called as Bodhi tree, peepal, and sacred fig. It makes an excellent bonsai as it is a tough plant that grows fast and forms aerial roots. As it is a tropical tree ,it must be placed in a position that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily and protected it from freezing temperature .

3. Boxwood-It is suitable for bonsai other than hedging. One who is a beginner of this technique can try it ,as it is easy to maintain and looks handsome. It is an outdoor plant which is tough and resilient, can withstand sun as well as shade. It grows under the canopy of trees, so it is better to place the plant in partial sun. Protect the plant in winter as it could not withstand sever cold.

4. Juniper– It is one of the most popular trees for bonsai. Very appealing bonsai can be made with juniper and are also easy to train and care. It cannot live indoor, so place them in a sunny spot with shade from afternoon sun .

5. Bougainvillea– It is one of the best bonsai plants. This looks so colourful, pretty and especially its beautiful papery flowers of many colours make an attractive display. It should be placed in a spot where it receives at least 5-6 hours of sunlight. Protect it from freezing temperatures.

Other plants suitable for bonsai are pomegranate, Indian banyan, Adenium, guava and pine. The techniques involved in bonsai is given below:

1. Leaf trimming-the selective removal of leaves for most varieties of deciduous tree)

2. Pruning the trunk, branches and roots of the tree.

3. Wiring branches and trunks allows the bonsai designer to create the desired general form and make detailed branch and leaf placements.

4. Clamping using mechanical devices for shaping trunks and branches.

5. Defoliation, which can provide short-term dwarfing of foliage for certain deciduous species.

How will you maintain the bonsai plants?

As Bonsai trees are planted in small pots a few basic guidelines have to be followed when watering, fertilizing and repotting the trees.

The most important part of taking care of Bonsai trees is watering. How often a tree needs to be watered, depends on factors like species of tree, size of tree, size of pot, time of year, soil-mixture and climate. However, understanding a few basic guidelines will help to observe when a tree needs to be watered.

Water the trees when the soil gets slightly dry
Use the right soil-mixture that retains more water
To prevent a tree from being pot-bound and ultimately starving to death, regular repotting is crucial
Deciding on what is the best location to place Bonsai trees can be hard, as several factors (local climate, time of year, tree species, etc.) should be taken into consideration. Best is to know the type of species and to look for specific information about it.

Conclusion:

Interior decoration is a fast developing discipline. Arranging flowers and keeping indoor plants in the form of terrarium and bonsai are becoming more and more popular to meet the need of the people. A variety of natural and artificial indoor plants are available today and there is growing awareness among the people to keep their surroundings attractive and appealing.

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