What is ikebana and how to learn it

What is ikebana and why it is worth doing it

Ikebana is the Japanese art of creating compositions from dry and fresh flowers, leaves, branches and roots.

The name itself consists of the History of Ikenobo of two hieroglyphs: "ike" - life and "hana" - a flower. This is most often translated as "giving flowers new life" or "letting flowers express themselves."

This hobby is chosen by creative people, passionate about flowers, Japan and the East, artists. This is an art in which everyone will find their own: someone will be attracted by the beauty of plants, others - by the Land of the Rising Sun, its culture, while others will be interested in self-expression through the creation of compositions.

If you want to learn how to make bouquets with your own hands, but are not sure if it will work for you, then here are some arguments in favor of ikebana.

Flower arrangements will decorate your interior. They will especially appeal to those who love minimalism, grace and simplicity.
No expensive materials needed. You can use whatever is at hand: dried flowers, leaves, twigs of plants. And instead of a vase - a beautiful jar, glass or other vessel.
Ikebana can be a wonderful gift and alternative to the usual bouquet.
This art develops in a person a sense of beauty and the ability to make harmonious compositions from simple elements.

Ikebana from fresh flowers / chilli.net.ua

Ikebana with pomegranate and bird / wikimedia.org

Minimalistic ikebana / zabavnik.club

What tools and materials are needed for ikebana

All of this can be found in flower shops or ordered online:

flowers, leaves and twigs - live, dry or artificial;
bowl, vase or beautiful jar;
floristic sponge or kenzan - a stand with needles that will hold the plants;
secateurs;
water - for fresh flowers;
filler (if necessary) - earth or sand;
for decoration, you can additionally use fruits, berries, pebbles and other elements.

How to make your first ikebana

What is needed

Ceramic vase;
kenzan;
water;
secateurs;
3 irises;
2 sprigs of blueberry;
1 long twig of a willow or other tree;
3 double carnations or sedum.

How to make a forest composition

1. Take the ikebana base. It is best to take a vessel made of natural materials, not too bright or pretentious. Remember, simplicity is at the core of Japanese art. A ceramic vase, similar to a concrete one, is perfect.

2. In Japan, flowers in vases are traditionally placed on kenzan. Place it on the bottom of the vessel. Pour water on top so that it fills about half of the bowl. This is a must for ikebana made from live plants.

3. Take one iris and prepare it: remove excess leaves, trim the stem with pruning shears, if necessary.

4. Now place the iris on the kenzan needles. The flower should be straight.

5. Next, place two more irises in the same way. Don't try to do this symmetrically. On the contrary, there should be asymmetry in the composition, it looks more natural. As a result, everything will look something like the picture below.

6. Now add the blueberry sprigs. Stick them into the kenzan needles next to the flowers. Remove dried out branches with pruning shears.

7. Since the vase is not flat, but rather voluminous, the composition lacks tall elements. Add a long twig of a willow or other tree. It should stand out from the lower plants.

8. Add more greenery: use terry cloves or sedum for this. Stick the stems into the kenzan so that the plants are in the lower plane and do not cover the irises. So ikebana looks harmonious.

Details of the forest composition master class in this video:

What other ikebana master classes are there?

A short tutorial on creating flower arrangements:

The technique of drawing up an ikebana using a floral sponge:

Master class on creating ikebana for Valentine's Day:

And here they make a composition with a candle and dried flowers:

Composition lesson from the ikebana master of the Japanese school "Sogetsu":

Where to find useful information on ikebana

Mediasole.ru - seven simple master classes on creating Japanese bouquets with your own hands.
Pinterest.ru - on this site you can always spy on ideas for handmade, including for ikebana.
"Fair of Masters" - in the "Master Classes" section there are several author's ideas and lessons on ikebana.
Ikebana-ikenobo.ru - the official website of the Russian branch of the Ikenobo Institute. Here you can learn about exhibitions, see photos from master classes and even sign up for training.