Are you familiar with Japanese Ikebana ? How about regular flower arrangement ? Since our school teaches both IJapanese kebana and European floral arrangement, we would like to comment about the difference between Japanese Ikebana and European flower arrangement. Before starting to explain about the difference between these two floral arts, we would like to make sure that the term of " regular flower arrangement" used in the following explanation means European floral arrangement.
(1) Origin:
While Ikebana originated in Asia, regular flower arrangement originated in Europe.
(2) Plant Materials:
Ikebana uses not only flowers but also other plant materials such as grasses, leaves and trees like curly willows, bear grasses and thin twigs whatsoever. Further Ikebana arrangement often features greenery and curly twig as a focal element. By way of using curly elements, Ikebana often offers the beauty of graceful linear line.
Regular flower arrangement typically features flowers themselves and emphasizes on the beauty of colorful decoration.
(3) Purpose:
Although the main purpose for learning floral art is to earn good flower arranging skills. In this sense there is no difference between Ikebana and regular flower arrangement. However lessons of Ikebana puts emphasis on manner and etiquette through learning Ikebana. Historically Japanese women from a decent family have been learning Ikebana as part of training for married life. Strictly speaking, in order to learn etiquette and manner, lessons must be done in the room of Tatami mat on which both an instructor and students need to sit according to the traditional way.
When teaching Ikebana outside of Japan, we cannot prepare this kind of facilities, which makes it impossible to provide the traditional training.
(4) Tools:
Ikebana often uses what is called
Kenzan that is made of metal plate on which so many needles are mounted. When arranging flowers, stems of flowers are usually inserted onto Kenzan. Regular flower arrangement uses
floral foam called "Oasis" which is made of chemical stuff and looks like sponge. Further Ikebana often uses
Suiban that is a shallow type container on which above mentioned Kenzan is placed in the center. Regular flower arrangement uses a regular vase.
California Flower Art Academy offers a Variety of Programs not only for Ikebana but also for European floral arrangements. Students can enjoy a broad range of floral designs from beginner to professional levels. If you are interested in learning floral art, following programs are recommended to people who have no previous experiences:
We offer
Weekend Class as well as
Evening Class for busy people. For further information, please contact info@california-academy.com
