Ikebana facts for kids
Ikebana (pronounced Ee-keh-bah-nah) is a special Japanese art. It's all about making beautiful flower arrangements. The word "Ikebana" in Japanese means "making flowers come alive." It's much more than just putting flowers in a vase. Each Ikebana arrangement has a deep meaning and tells a story. People who learn Ikebana spend a lot of time understanding how to create these special arrangements.
Contents
What are Ikebana Schools?
Just like there are different styles of painting or music, there are many different "schools" or styles of Ikebana. These schools teach the art in their own unique ways. Some of the most famous schools include Ikenobo, Sogetsu, and Ohara.
The Ikenobo School
The Ikenobo school is very old and well-known. It was started by a Buddhist priest named Ikenobo Senkei in the 15th century. For a long time, only people from the upper class could learn Ikenobo.
Ikenobo often uses a style called "rikka," which means "standing flowers." This style is a way to show the beauty of nature through flowers. A traditional rikka arrangement has seven main parts, and each part represents something from nature, like a hill, a valley, or a waterfall.
Later, around the 17th century, a simpler style called "shoka" became popular. Shoka arrangements are easier to make and use only three main branches. These three branches represent "ten" (heaven), "chi" (earth), and "jin" (man).
Other Ikebana Styles
Another style of Ikebana is called cha-bana. This style is often used during the Japanese tea ceremony. Ikebana is also a popular art form for decorating homes in Japan.
Ikebana Today
Today, Ikebana is very popular with all kinds of people in Japan, not just the upper class. Millions of people in Japan practice this beautiful art. It's a way for them to connect with nature and express their creativity.
Images for kids
-
Shōka arrangement by the 40th headmaster Ikenobō Senjō, drawing from the Sōka Hyakki by the Shijō school, 1820
-
Ikebana flower arrangement in a tokonoma (alcove), in front of a kakemono (hanging scroll)
-
A drawing of mitsu-gusoku, from the Senden-shō (15–18th century)
-
Illustration from the Kaō irai no Kadensho, believed to be the oldest extant manuscript of ikebana teaching, dating from a time shortly after that of Ikenobō Senkei. It shows various arranging styles of tatebana (ogibana) wide-mouth (right) and upright styles.
-
Ikebana arrangement with cart, at the Kyoto State Guest House
-
Woodcut ukiyo-e print by Eishi of a lady practicing ikebana
-
Rikka arrangement by Ikenobō Senkō II, a drawing from the Rikka-no-Shidai Kyūjūsanpei-ari, Important Cultural Property
-
Woven bamboo flower basket (hanakago), by Living National Treasure Hayakawa Shōkosai V
-
Traditional shōka
-
Nageire of the Banmi Shofu-ryū school
-
Moribana kōseitai (hidarigatte) of the Saga Goryū school
-
Jiyūka freestyle arrangement
-
Hanging Moon and Hooked Vase
-
Incoming or Boat of Good Fortune and Standard Arrangement
.jpeg)
See also
In Spanish: Ikebana para niños
