What is Ikebana?
Ikebana is a traditional Japanese art form that is more than flower arranging. It is a culture that expresses the beauty of nature and places importance on spirituality. The arrangement of flowers, branches, and leaves is based on the concepts of ma (space) and harmony, and through the works of ikebana, one can feel the life and transience of nature.
The History of Ikebana
The origins of ikebana can be traced back to the practice of offering flowers as an offering to the Buddha. During the Muromachi period, displaying flowers in tokonoma alcoves arose, becoming the prototype for ikebana.
In the middle of the Muromachi period, Ikenobo Senkei, a priest at the Rokkakudo temple in Kyoto, broke free from the traditional style of flower offerings and created a new style of ikebana based on his sense of beauty. Rather than simply arranging flowers, Senkei created compositions that respected the plants’ characteristics and the flowers’ natural form and were also conscious of the overall space. This established ikebana as an art form independent of religious ceremonies and laid the foundations for the development of Kadō( = Ikebana).
Later, it developed with various other cultures, such as the tea ceremony and martial arts, and unique schools of ikebana were born.
Kyoto and Ikebana
Kyoto played a central role in the development of Ikebana. Many ikebana schools were born in Kyoto, and their traditions are still being carried on today.
The Existence of Various Ikebana Schools
There are currently several hundred Ikebana schools in Japan, and Kyoto, in particular, is home to many historic schools. For example,
- Ikenobo: The oldest ikebana school has continued since the Muromachi period.
- Saga Goryu: A school whose head family is the Saga Gosho (the Saga Imperial Villa) Daikakuji Temple.
- Shogetsudo Koryu: Founded by a Buddhist priest, Ichiro Zeshinken, 250 years ago.
Although these schools have different aesthetic ideals, they share a common heritage of Kyoto’s traditions and culture.
Modern Ikebana
Modern Ikebana is increasingly free from traditional forms, and more and more people are expressing themselves with their original ideas. In Kyoto, events such as the “Kyoto Ikebana New Generation Exhibition” are held, and the next generation of Ikebana artists are making their mark.
Ikebana is also being incorporated into everyday life, not just for special occasions, and is becoming a presence that soothes people’s hearts.
Ikebana is not only used to decorate the home, but it is also increasingly used to decorate hotels, restaurants, and corporate entrances. It is becoming something that people can enjoy casually in their everyday lives.
Ikebana Spreading Overseas
In recent years, ikebana has also started to attract attention overseas, with many ikebana classes being held in the USA, Europe, and various parts of Asia, attracting many people.
In addition, international ikebana exhibitions are also being held, and Japanese culture and aesthetic sense are being conveyed to the world through ikebana.
Ikebana and Kogei
Ikebana is completed by arranging flowers in a vase container. Vases are made from various materials, including pottery and lacquerware, and play an important role in expressing the worldview of ikebana. Kyoto is home to traditional crafts such as Kiyomizu-yaki pottery and Kyoto lacquerware, and Ikebana and Kogei have developed while influencing each other.
Summary
Ikebana is a traditional art form that embodies the Japanese aesthetic and spirituality.
As the center of this art form, Kyoto has nurtured ikebana along with many ikebana schools and crafts. Today, it is seeing new developments thanks to the activities of young ikebana artists and its spread overseas.
Why not rediscover the appeal of ikebana and Kyoto’s arts and crafts and incorporate them into your daily life?
