This book provides a comprehensive introduction to ikebana and other forms of Japanese flower culture. Unlike other books on the subject which focus on practice, the book provides both an academic discussion of the subject and an introduction to practice. It examines ikebana and flower culture from anthropological and sociological perspectives, analyses Japanese aesthetics, customs and rituals related to flower arrangements, and outlines ikebana history and the Grand Master Iemoto system. It considers how the traditional arts are taught in Japan, and links traditional arts to current issues in today’s society, such as gender and class. This book also covers how to prepare ikebana utensils, preserve flowers and branches, and how to appreciate arrangements, placing an emphasis on acknowledging our five senses throughout each stage of the process. The book will be of interest to a wide range of people interested in Japanese flower culture – university professors and students, tourists and people interested in traditional Japanese arts.
Author(s): Kaeko Chiba
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 207
City: London
Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Table of Contents
Illustrations
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Autobiography
Yamada-sensei
The Start of My Ikebana Journey
Question 1
Question 2
Question 3
Question 4
Question 5
Meaning of this Book
Structure of the Book
References and Further Reading
1 Decorations, Rituals, and Symbols
Yearly Events
January
1/1 New Year, Kadomatsu – Bamboo
Shō Chiku Bai – Pine Trees, Bamboo, Japanese Apricot
February
2/3 Setsubun – Hollytree
2/14 Valentine’s Day – Chocolate, Not Roses
March
3/3 Girl’s Day Festival (Hinamatsuri) – Peach Blossom Flower (Momonohana)
April
Cherry Blossoms Viewing (Hanami)
May
5/5 Children’s Day (Kodomo No Hi) – Iris
Mother’s Day (Haha No Hi) – Carnation
June
Rainy Season (Tsuyu) – Hydrangea
July
7/7 Star Festival (Tanabata) – Bamboo
August
8/13–16 Obon Festival – Chrysanthemum (Kiku)
September
9/9 Chōyō No Sekku – Chrysanthemum
Moon Festival (Otsukimi) – Pampas Grass (Susuki)
Seven Autumn Flowers – Aki No Nanakusa
October, November
Kōyō (Colored Leaves) – Momiji
December
Christmas – Holly
Graduation Ceremony
1/15 Coming of Age Ceremony (Seijinshiki) – Flower Arrangement
Weddings
Hospital Flowers
Funeral
National, Prefecture, City, and Family Symbols
Dying Out? Reviving? Is It Really Japanese?
Research Questions
Conclusion
References and Further Reading
2 Philosophy and Aesthetics in Ikebana
What Is Ikebana? Nature and Us
Wabi Sabi and Miyabi
Ikebana and Tea Flower
Dualism
Wabi Sabi and Miyabi in Other Forms of Japanese Culture
Western Flower Arrangement
Wabi Sabi Outside of Japan
Research Questions
Conclusion
References and Further Reading
3 History
From Antiquity Through the Asuka Period (592–710): the Influence of Animism
The Nara Period (710–794): Influence From Buddhism
The Heian Period (794–1185): the Custom of Admiring Flowers Is Born
The Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1568–1600): Sen No Rikyū and Nageire
The Edo Period (1600–1868): the Iemoto System Emerges
The Meiji Period (1868–1912): Ikebana Flourishes Despite the Challenge of Westernization
The Taisho (1912–1926) and Early (1926–1945) Showa Periods: Ikebana Golden Age
The Postwar Period (1945–present): Ikebana in Flux
Ikebana History in Akita Prefecture
Research Questions
Conclusion
References and Further Reading
4 Iemoto System
The Iemoto System
Hereditary System
Absolute Authority
Kyojō System
Natori, Name-Taking
Master, Senior Disciple Relationship
Different Schools in Ikebana, Noh, and Japanese Dance (Nihon Buyō)
Noh
Nihon Buyō
Noh Practitioner Sakurako-San
Transparency and Collaboration
Research Questions
Conclusion
References and Further Reading
5 Tea Flower
Chadō as Composite Art Form
Sen No Rikyū (1522–1591)
Appropriate Flower and Container
Tea Flower as Monthly
Appropriate Place
How to Arrange Chabana
The Meaning of Tea Flowers to Practitioners
Miyakowasure
Kumagaiso
Shirane Aoi
Taitsuriso
Kuro Yuri
Odoriko-so
Meaning of Flower Containers
Research Questions
Conclusion
References and Further Reading
6 Japanese Garden
Character of Japanese Garden
Pure Land Garden
Shoin Style Garden
Dry Or Rock (Karesansui) Style Garden
Tea Garden
Stroll Style (Kaiyushiki) Garden
Former Ikeda Family Garden
Tsuboniwa Style Garden
Western Style Garden
Three Major Gardens
Japanese Gardens Outside of Japan
Differences From the Western Garden
Yohei-san
Masao-san
Research Questions
Conclusion
References and Further Reading
7 Literature
The Kojiki
The Manyoshū and The Kokin Wakashū
The Tale of Genji
The Pillow Book
Modern Literature
Haiku
The Language of Flowers (Hanakotoba)
Cherry Blossom (Sakura)
Research Questions
Conclusion
References and Further Reading
References and Further Reading
8 Gender and Class
Ikebana as a Subject for Girls’ Schools
Ikebana for War Widows
Ikebana for Bridal Training
Ikebana as Status Symbols for Women?
Status as Madam, MADAMU
Ikebana Teacher – Gender Empowerment
Iemoto – Gender Empowerment
Research Questions
Conclusion
References and Further Reading
9 Traditional Arts Education
Current Trends of Traditional Arts Education
Kyoto
Akita
Combined Junior and High School Style
Private Girls School
Future Agenda
Cultural Nationalism?
Reproduction of Class and Gender
Research Questions
Conclusion
References and Further Reading
10 Utensils and Ikebana Arrangements
How to Prepare and Preserve Flowers
What to Prepare
Different Kinds of Formality
Formality Shin, Gyō, Sō
Way to Approach Uniqueness
How to Cut Flowers
How to Bend Flowers
How to Arrange Ikebana
Saika
Three Principal Branches
Length and Angle
Moribana
Three Principal Branches
Length and Angle
Nageire
Jiyuka (Freestyle)
Shinseika
Shizenkei Shizenka
Ikebana Course in Higher Education
Field Trip
Ikebana Exhibition
Museum
Visiting Other Traditional Art Forms
Japanese Gardens
Local Artist/artisan’s Work
Online Courses
Research Question
Conclusion
References and Further Reading
11 Future
Ikebana International Activity
IKENOBOYS
Ikebana and Digital Art
Sound of Ikebana
Ikebana and Media
Ikebana and Education
Ikebana as Healing
Invention of Tradition; New Iemoto System
Conclusion
References and Further Reading
Glossary
Ikebana Flower
Tea Flower
Index
