Flower Arrangement

Lesson 12 : Ikebana

Principles, Fundamental Styles & Basic Arrangement

The basic rules & principles of arrangement of each form of Ikebana are similar as in case of creation of beauty. Ikebana is not difficult, like any other art it calls only observance of rules & proportions. These are two fundamental styles i.e. 'Moribana' (shallow bowl style) & 'Nageire' (tall vase style). Two basic arrangement are suitable for both of the above styles, namely 'Risshin Kci' or upright arrangement & 'Kcishin Kei' or slanting arrangements.

In ikebana, these are three major principles that must be studied & applied:

• Beauty created by the use of line
• Beauty created by the use of color
• Beauty created by the use of space

The main stems of Ikebana:
In ikebana, there are 3 main stems which make up an ikebana arrangement. Depending on the angle and position of the main stems, different styles of ikebana can be made and these are illustrated in diagrams, which we call kakeizu.

The three main stems or Shushi are Shin, Soe and Hikae, each have their own symbol in the kakeizu. They represent the height, width and depth of the arrangement.

The Shin is the longest stem and represented by a round symbol. The Soe, is the next longest stem and represented by a square symbol. The Hikae, is the shortest stem and is represented by a triangle symbol.There are also subordinate stems or supporting stems which are called Juushi. Each Shin, Soe and Hikae have their own Juushi and a Juushi cannot be longer than their respective master.

The kakeizu, usually consists of two views, the front view and the bird's eye view.The degree of angles in which the stems are positioned is described in the kakeizu. In ikebana, the angle of branches are measured in a special way. When a stem breaks the water perpendicularly, the angle is 0 degrees.

Below is an example of the kakeizu.
The length of the stems of Ikebana:
The length of the stems will be determined by the size of the container. The size of the container is the diameter plus the height of the container.
Size of container = Diameter + Height of container
And the size of the arrangement will depend whether it is large, regular or small.
For the small arrangement,

• Length of Shin = size of container
• Length of Soe = 3/4 of Shin
• Length of Hikae = 3/4 of Soe

For regular arrangements,

• Length of Shin = size of container x 1.5
• Length of Soe = 3/4 of Shin
• Length of Hikae = 3/4 or 1/2 of Soe

For large arrangements,

• Length of Shin = size of container x 2
• Length of Soe = 3/4 of Shin
• Length of Hikae = 1/2 of Soe

Now, you know the basic of ikebana techniques; let's get to applying them into making an ikebana.