What Is Japanese Flower Arranging Called?

Ikebaba, or kado, is the aesthetic Japanese tradition of flower arrangement.

Japanese flower arrangement is known as both ikebana and kado. They mean essentially the same thing: ikebana is the art of appreciating flowers, while kado is the actual flower arrangement. Students learn for many years, often decades, before they are considered masters of the art.

Origin

The exact origin of ikebana is unknown, but scholars believe it was influenced by a Buddhist priest named Ikenobo Senkei in the Muromachi Period during the 1400s. In the 19th century, Ohara Unshin broke from the formalized Ikenobo School to create the simpler Ohara School, and in 1927 Sofu Teshigahara formed the modernized Sogetsu School.

Styles

Ikebana is usually split into two styles, depending on the type of vase used. "Moribana" is an arrangement in a shallow basin, while "nageire" is an arrangement in a long, slender cylinder. Both of these styles can be split up further into upright, slanting or cascading arrangements.

Learning Ikebana

You can learn ikebana by reading books, researching the art online and taking classes. To attend an ikebana class, contact your nearest chapter of Ikebana International for a recommendation of a class in your area that's right for you. Ikebana International has several chapters throughout the world including the United States, Canada and hundreds of chapters in Japan.

References

• Japan Zone: Ikebana
• Holy Mountain Trading Company: Mastering Basic Styles

Resources

• Ikebana International