Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Ikebana: A Study of Japanese Floral Artistry, Techniques, and Preservation of Plant Materials

Rei Murakami^* Department of Plant Sciences, Kanazawa University, Japan
^*Correspondence: Rei Murakami, Department of Plant Sciences, Kanazawa University, Japan, Email:

Received: 23-Oct-2024, Manuscript No. GJBAHS-24-27245; Editor assigned: 25-Oct-2024, Pre QC No. GJBAHS-24-27245 (PQ); Reviewed: 08-Nov-2024, QC No. GJBAHS-24-27245; Revised: 13-Aug-2025, Manuscript No. GJBAHS-24-27245 (R); Published: 20-Oct-2025, DOI: 10.35248/2319-5584.25.14.277

Description

Ikebana is the Japanese art of arranging flowers, also known as Kado, "The Way of Flowers". Instead of keeping flowers in a vase, Ikebana is an art study that brings nature and people together, Ikebana mainly uses the stems and leaves of plants instead of many flower arrangements-colour although ikebana is an expression of creativity, there are certain rules that govern the style. Each arrangement has its own natural look and beautiful lines. Another characteristic of ikebana is the use of minimalism.

Objectives

• To understand the importance and history of Japanese flower arrangement.
• To know the general rules and basic styles of Ikebana.
• To learn the preservation of flower and foliage plant materials.
• To study the techniques of Bonsai and Terrarium.

Evolution of styles

During ancient times, offering flowers on the altar in honor of Buddha was part of worship. The first systematized classical styles of ikebana, including rikka, started in the middle of the fifteenth century; the first students and teachers of ikebana were Ikenobo Buddhist priests and members of the Buddhist community. As time passed, other schools emerged, styles changed, and ikebana became a custom among the whole of Japanese societyPatterns and styles evolved, and by the late 15th century arrangements were common enough to be appreciated by ordinary people and not only by the imperial family and its retainers. Ikebana in the beginning was very simple, constructed from only a very few stems of flowers and evergreen branches. This first form of ikebana is called kuge. Ikebana evolved in the late 15^th century and became an art form with definitive guidelines. The first varieties have a long, straight central stem with two shorter stems. During the Momoyama period, 1600-1560, palaces were built. The nobles and royal guards made elaborate flower arrangements, which were considered the best decoration for palaces.

The Rikka image (Real Flowers) was created as a Buddhist expression of the natural beauty in nature. The core of this image is the 9 branches that represent the elements of nature. With the advent of tea ceremony rooms, another style called Chabana was introduced for tea ceremony rooms. This style is a variation of the Momoyama style and emphasizes rustic simplicity. Chabana's simplicity, helped create a nageire, or "throw" look. Nageire is a non-structural design that gives rise to the Sika or Shuka style. The appearance of a strong pile of stems forming the symmetrical shape of three triangular branches, was considered a flower.

There are only three main parts of the Sika or Shuka form, known in some schools as Deh (Heaven), Chi (Earth) and Jin (Human). This is a simple style designed to show the beauty and uniqueness of the plant itself. The formalization of the negir style for Japanese niche use gave rise to the formal shoka style. JiyÃÃÂ??«ka is a free creative design. It is not limited to flowers. Everything can be used 20th century styles. In the 20th century, due to the rise of modernism, the three schools of ikebana diverged into what is known in Japan as the relatively free.

• Moribana style the right side is the most basic structure of Ikebana. Moribana literally means "pressed flowers" arranged in a shallow bowl, compote dish or basket. The flowers are attached to kanzan or needle holders, also known as metal frogs.
• Moribana style slope is an inverted layout style that can be used depending on the display area or the shape of the branches. For this arrangement, most of the branches look beautiful when they are tilted and selected. This shape gives a subtler effect than the straight shape.
• Negreh the vertical form arranged in a container with a narrow, long opening without the use of a kanzan holder or a needle. Nageire means "throw". This is a simple arrangement that can only have one flower and does not use a frog to hold the flower(s).
• The slanted shape of Nageire is a soft and gentle touch. Good for beginners.
Avoid overlapping arrangements with the main stem below the edge of the pot. The simple fabric creates beautiful lines that match the flowers.