Japanese Flower Culture An Introduction

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to ikebana and other forms of Japanese flower culture. Unlike other books on the subject which focus on practice, the book provides both an academic discussion of the subject and an introduction to practice. It examines ikebana and flower culture from anthropological and sociological perspectives, analyses Japanese aesthetics, customs and rituals related to flower arrangements, and outlines ikebana history and the Grand Master Iemoto system. It considers how the traditional arts are taught in Japan, and links traditional arts to current issues in today’s society, such as gender and class. This book also covers how to prepare ikebana utensils, preserve flowers and branches, and how to appreciate arrangements, placing an emphasis on acknowledging our five senses throughout each stage of the process. The book will be of interest to a wide range of people interested in Japanese flower culture – university professors and students, tourists and people interested in traditional Japanese arts.

Keiko's unique approach to ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, combines traditional techniques with modern tastes. Her influences—which range from sculpture to today's Western floral design—come together to create one-of-a-kind arrangements that are authentic and eye-catching, simple and graceful, and possible for anyone to achieve. This book presents step-by-step instructions for creating 20 stunning ikebana arrangements in a range of sizes and styles. Each of the flower arrangements can be completed in just three simple steps and uses easy-to-find floral materials and containers. The book also includes an introduction to the history of ikebana as it relates to Japan and Japanese culture, as well as a guide to the basic rules of ikebana design and floral techniques. Suggestions for finding and choosing materials and supplies make it easy to to learn how to arrange flowers and gain a hands-on appreciation of the art of Japanese flower arranging.

"The growing appreciation of Japanese Art and architecture in the West has extended to the Japanese way with flowers. This book is intended as a complete introduction to Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Beginning with the history and development of the art, and its place in Japanese culture, we introduce the reader to the eleven basic styles. Next comes a large section devoted to vases, materials, tools, and methods. Text and pictures explain how to keep flowers fresh, how to select and prepare both fresh and dried materials, and how to make the most effective use of them. Twelve lessons in creating arrangements in the moibana style follow. I have tried to make this the most carefully detailed and profusely illustrated guide of its kind, enabling the reder to create many beautiful arrangements while learning all the necessary techniques of the art. Finally, there is a section devoted to advanced techniques and designs, both classic and modern, and to the setting of mood. Appedixes suggest ways to keep cut flowers fresh, tell how to make effective arrangements from one's own garden flowers and what plant materials to combine, and describe the symbolism of plants and their enhancement. I hope the reader will find this book enjoyable to read, easy to understand, and fun to follow."--Preface.

Japanese flower arrangement, or Ikebana, is a centuries-old art form that emphasizes simplicity, elegance, and balance. In this book, Mary Averill provides a clear and concise introduction to the principles of Ikebana, as well as practical guidance on how to create your own arrangements. This is a must-have book for anyone interested in Japanese art and culture. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Kado is a concept that emphasises the philosophical aspect of ikebana, or traditional Japanese flower arranging culture. Ka means “flowers,” and do means “way.” Thus, kado means “the way of flowers” or “the way through flowers.” This way leads to the truth, and consequently, the way itself is the truth. In kado, it is the practitioner’s goal to find this way through arranging flowers as the symbol of nature. We might therefore call it “dynamic Zen.” Of course, the artistic aspect of flower arranging culture, namely ikebana, should not be denied, and should be valued as a part of traditional flower arranging culture. However, it is just a part and not the whole picture of this culture. This book aims to emphasise the other part, kado, and redress the balance of interpretation of this traditional culture. Our standpoint is to regard this culture as a philosophical or religious way, not as so-called art. The structure of this book is as follows. The first chapter is an overview of the history of kado, the second chapter explains its traditional regulations. Finally, the third chapter, considers the thought which has been the basis of the concept of kado.

First published in 2005. Japanese flower arrangement is much more than an elegant amusement - it is an expression of what the Japanese call furyu - to turn away from strife, and to lose oneself in the joys of peace and nature. It is the opposite of that other key aspect of Japanese culture - Bushido, the way of the warrior. The virtues of Bushido are persistence, fidelity, endurance, bravery and activity - those of furyu are subtlety, gentleness, restraint and repose. That they see no inconsistency or contradiction between these two ways of living is one of the most interesting characteristics of the Japanese people. This volume is a succinct and comprehensive guide to the history, theory and practice of this exquisite art. It explains the three fundamental forms of Japanese flower arrangement - Shin, Gyo and So, as well as the proper arrangement of the tokonoma, the alcove where the flowers are displayed. It explains how one has to 'see' the expressions and emotions in blossoms and branches to achieve the most harmonious combinations, and gives the history of the art going back to the Ashikaga Shogunate, describing the two great classical schools of Japanese flower arrangement - the formal (rikkwa) and the natural (nageire) styles. It also deals with two new schools - the heaven-earthman (ten-chi-jin) and literati (bunjin-ike) styles - concluding with an illustrated chapter on how to arrange flowers. This is a book full of timeless serenity and beauty.

Featuring full-color photographs and illustrations throughout, this text is a comprehensive guide to Japanese culture. The richness of Japan's history is renowned worldwide. The heritage of culture that its society has produced and passed on to future generations is one of Japan's greatest accomplishments. In Introduction to Japanese Culture, you'll read an overview, through sixty-eight original and informative essays, of Japan's most notable cultural achievements, including: Religion, Zen Buddhism, arranged marriages and Bushido Drama and Art—from pottery, painting and calligraphy to haiku, kabuki and karate Cuisine—everything from rice to raw fish Home and Recreation, from board games such as Go to origami, kimonos and Japanese gardens The Japan of today is a fully modern, Westernized society in nearly every regard. Even so, the elements of an earlier age are clearly visible in the country's arts, festivals, and customs. This book focuses on the essential constants that remain in present-day Japan and their counterparts in Western culture. Edited by Daniel Sosnoski, an American writer who has lived in Japan since 1985, these well-researched articles, color photographs, and line illustrations provide a compact guide to aspects of Japan that often puzzle the outside observer. Introduction to Japanese Culture is wonderfully informative, a needed primer on the cultural make-up and behaviors of the Japanese. This book is certain to fascinate the student, tourist, or anyone who seeks to know and understand Japanese culture, Japanese etiquette, and the history of Japan.