Japanese traditional
floral design called Ikebana has been often using this particular way of arrangement
which features the beauty of graceful linear curve created with long and thin branches (or twigs). Some other greeneries in the shape of linear
curve are used instead of twigs.
From the
concept that the mentality of Japanese people respects the harmony, accord and
coexistence between human beings and nature rather than fighting against
nature, they may have developed this particular way of floral designs which are
based on natural lines and spaces of the plant materials rather than adopting patterns
of designs which are artificial.
As this arrangement is heavily influenced by
Japanese Ikebana and the arranging style follows the typical Japanese traditional
way of decorations, many floral
designers often use containers which are flat and shallow like “Suiban”. Due to the shape of flat and shallow container
used for this arrangement, needlepoint holder (also known as frog or pinpoint
holder having so many needles mounted on heavy metal plate) similar to “Kenzan”
(specifically designed for Ikebana
arrangement) is generally used to make line arrangement of floral decorations.
According to some people, American and European floral designs are
influenced by Japanese traditional floral art (called Ikebana) especially by
the arranging method featuring grace of
beautiful linear lines. And so developed design is now called “line arrangement”
in many of Western countries.
Unlike mass
arrangements, there are lots of empty spaces
among plant materials in this arrangement and floral designers usually
make arrangement to appeal the availability of space among plant
materials. As mentioned above and as its
name shows, this design puts emphasis mainly on the grace of line made with
thin plants especially the beauty of linear lines consisting of thin branches
(twigs), leaves or flowers, the colors
and sizes of flowers are of less concern.
In Japan
there are so many instructors and floral artists specializing in Ikebana and many
of their flower arranging works are designed
from the concept of emphasizing the beauty of linear line, which is now called
“line arrangement” by designers in the United States and most probably in
Europe as well. However according to my perception, most of such Japanese floral artists do not
recognize that this particular way of Japanese arrangement is now called and
categorized in “line arrangement” by American (or European) floral artists.
The world is
getting smaller and smaller especially after the internet technology was
introduced and people can now access to any kind of information available all
over the world. As seen from the situation mentioned above, even traditional
cultures such as floral arrangements are influenced each other among Japan,
Europe and America.
We are pleased to introduce a variety of articles and stories
featuring floral designs and floral art as well as
flower arranging schools/classes. If you are interested in
learning floral designs, no matter what kind, European floral designs or
Japanese Ikebana, wedding or funeral decorations, beginner or professional
programs, we are more than happy to help you earn practical skills of floral
arrangements. For further information, feel free to contact
info@california-academy.com