Some of the many "Schools of Ikebana"
Most schools of ikebana have a style or emphasis that characterizes that particular schools approach when designing an arrangement. With this page, I have attempted to give a brief introduction to each school listed and, where possible, images of arrangements characteristic of each school. My goal is to help individuals new to ikebana in finding the school that speaks to their hearts. There is great diversity among the different schools, but they all begin and end with the beauty found in nature.
Aratame
One of the newest schools of ikebana among thousands, Aratame School emphasizes contemporary styles, presentations, and striking modern design. Students first study basic ikebana techniques and as their skill evolves, gradually attain great freedom of expression in arranging.
One of the newest schools of ikebana among thousands, Aratame School emphasizes contemporary styles, presentations, and striking modern design. Students first study basic ikebana techniques and as their skill evolves, gradually attain great freedom of expression in arranging.
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Banmi Shofu Ryu
The hallmark of Banmi Shofu Ryu is the use of driftwood, not as an artifice, but as a way of connecting with the spirit of driftwood in creating ikebana. In addition, Banmi Shofu uses natural materials in ways to provoke movement, and symbols to achieve serenity and tranquility.
The hallmark of Banmi Shofu Ryu is the use of driftwood, not as an artifice, but as a way of connecting with the spirit of driftwood in creating ikebana. In addition, Banmi Shofu uses natural materials in ways to provoke movement, and symbols to achieve serenity and tranquility.
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Chiko
Chiko School is famous for displays of flowers arranged with decorative ornaments and figurines. This results in arrangements which often resemble paintings. Bases of various materials such as mirrors are used and pebbles and sand drawings representing water are also featured.
Chiko School is famous for displays of flowers arranged with decorative ornaments and figurines. This results in arrangements which often resemble paintings. Bases of various materials such as mirrors are used and pebbles and sand drawings representing water are also featured.
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Enshu
Enshu School is an ancient school founded in Japan's Imperial Court in the late 1400s. The arrangements feature elegantly curving lines. These require students to have extensive training in this somewhat difficult technique. The containers used also are works of art, often elaborate vessels of bronze.
Enshu School is an ancient school founded in Japan's Imperial Court in the late 1400s. The arrangements feature elegantly curving lines. These require students to have extensive training in this somewhat difficult technique. The containers used also are works of art, often elaborate vessels of bronze.
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Ichiyo
Two important philosophies of the Ichiyo School include the concept that an arrangement must fit the environment in which it is displayed and the individual arranger’s emotions and character are to be expressed in the arrangement. Thus, it is not just flowers in a vase; it is considered to be an art of human communication.
Two important philosophies of the Ichiyo School include the concept that an arrangement must fit the environment in which it is displayed and the individual arranger’s emotions and character are to be expressed in the arrangement. Thus, it is not just flowers in a vase; it is considered to be an art of human communication.
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Ikenobo
The very first school of ikebana, the Ikenobo School is known as the "Origin of Ikebana" and has strong traditions in training artists for over five hundred and fifty years. Students learn techniques for various styles, both traditional and modern. Japanese history and philosophical views of nature and plants living in harmony are reflected in Ikenobo Ikebana. The three main designs in the Ikenobo School are; Rikka, Shoka, and Free Style.
The very first school of ikebana, the Ikenobo School is known as the "Origin of Ikebana" and has strong traditions in training artists for over five hundred and fifty years. Students learn techniques for various styles, both traditional and modern. Japanese history and philosophical views of nature and plants living in harmony are reflected in Ikenobo Ikebana. The three main designs in the Ikenobo School are; Rikka, Shoka, and Free Style.
Rikka
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Shoka
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Free Style
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Kikku
Koryu Shotokai
Kozan-ryu
The school's precept is "Arrange plum trees like plum trees, and peach trees like peach trees." In other words, the natural shape of a branch, rather than a specific rule or form, should be the primary concern in arranging the material.
Students of Kozan School are required to be able to identify the names, species, and features of hundreds of wild flowers and plants. They study each plant's natural characteristics and look for its salient point -- the shape of the leaves, the color, the delicacy of a single flower, or the effect of a cluster.
The school's precept is "Arrange plum trees like plum trees, and peach trees like peach trees." In other words, the natural shape of a branch, rather than a specific rule or form, should be the primary concern in arranging the material.
Students of Kozan School are required to be able to identify the names, species, and features of hundreds of wild flowers and plants. They study each plant's natural characteristics and look for its salient point -- the shape of the leaves, the color, the delicacy of a single flower, or the effect of a cluster.
Ohara
Ranging from historic interpretations to state of the art innovation, Ohara School focuses great attention on nature and the changing seasons. Harmony of materials with containers and the setting in which the display is placed are considered as the work is created. The Ohara school originated the use of "low bowl" dish type containers in a design form known as "Moribana". This school is also well known for its innovative landscape designs.
Ranging from historic interpretations to state of the art innovation, Ohara School focuses great attention on nature and the changing seasons. Harmony of materials with containers and the setting in which the display is placed are considered as the work is created. The Ohara school originated the use of "low bowl" dish type containers in a design form known as "Moribana". This school is also well known for its innovative landscape designs.
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Ryuseiha
Ryuseiha is primarily concerned with the revitalization of the original spirit of the Rikka arrangement. This school, 110 years old, has an adventurous approach to materials and a spirit of innovation. Although students in this school must demonstrate mastery of traditional forms, they also create free style installations that blur the boundaries between flower arrangement and sculpture. Some prefer not to use artificially made containers, but, instead, use natural materials as containers. Processed as well as natural materials are used, but plants are considered to be the core of ikebana: "Plants, with their own completed shape, provide the breath of life of ikebana....The basic starting point for ikebana is the living plant placed in a water-filled container."
Ryuseiha is primarily concerned with the revitalization of the original spirit of the Rikka arrangement. This school, 110 years old, has an adventurous approach to materials and a spirit of innovation. Although students in this school must demonstrate mastery of traditional forms, they also create free style installations that blur the boundaries between flower arrangement and sculpture. Some prefer not to use artificially made containers, but, instead, use natural materials as containers. Processed as well as natural materials are used, but plants are considered to be the core of ikebana: "Plants, with their own completed shape, provide the breath of life of ikebana....The basic starting point for ikebana is the living plant placed in a water-filled container."
Saga Goryu
The aim at Saga Goryu is to be traditional but vital, and to introduce visual and spiritual pleasure into daily life. To do this, the School not only promotes the skills and techniques of floral decoration, but also through its teaching attempts to enhance people's ability to recognize the delicate and sophisticated beauty of flowers -- to appreciate their artistic value with a new and refined sense.
According to Saga Goryu, ikebana is more than a mere classical art to be appreciated by an exclusive group of specialists. Despite the ancient origin of ikebana, this art is still relevant in today's society.
In Saga Goryu ikebana, before arranging flowers, the arranger calms him/herself by reciting a Buddhist sutra, Hannya Shingyoh. The School's motto in practicing ikebana is "to unite flowers and religion". The School practices a ceremony of floral tribute to Buddha, by observing truth, goodness, and beauty through ikebana.
The aim at Saga Goryu is to be traditional but vital, and to introduce visual and spiritual pleasure into daily life. To do this, the School not only promotes the skills and techniques of floral decoration, but also through its teaching attempts to enhance people's ability to recognize the delicate and sophisticated beauty of flowers -- to appreciate their artistic value with a new and refined sense.
According to Saga Goryu, ikebana is more than a mere classical art to be appreciated by an exclusive group of specialists. Despite the ancient origin of ikebana, this art is still relevant in today's society.
In Saga Goryu ikebana, before arranging flowers, the arranger calms him/herself by reciting a Buddhist sutra, Hannya Shingyoh. The School's motto in practicing ikebana is "to unite flowers and religion". The School practices a ceremony of floral tribute to Buddha, by observing truth, goodness, and beauty through ikebana.
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Shinpa Seizan
The school's motto is "nature is the best teacher". The aim of Shinpa Seizan School is to recreate nature's greatness, after studying it and learning from it.
To achieve this aim, we have to observe nature closely, understand its meaning, and then try to express its beauty by means of flower arrangement. People's lives arise from nature and return to nature. Therefore, we should make every effort to understand the heart and soul of nature, deep behind its outward physical beauty.
The school's motto is "nature is the best teacher". The aim of Shinpa Seizan School is to recreate nature's greatness, after studying it and learning from it.
To achieve this aim, we have to observe nature closely, understand its meaning, and then try to express its beauty by means of flower arrangement. People's lives arise from nature and return to nature. Therefore, we should make every effort to understand the heart and soul of nature, deep behind its outward physical beauty.
Sogetsu
Modern contemporary life is reflected in Sogetsu Ikebana with emphasis on individual expressions. Sogetsu Ikebana can be arranged by anyone, anywhere with whatever material is available. Natural and man made materials are widely used, often in unexpected ways. Students often make their own containers and give special attention to the environment in which the work is placed.
Sogetsu Ikebana is a lifestyle to be appreciated by many people from all over the world, rather than being considered an exclusive aspect of Japanese culture to be enjoyed by a limited number of people. Just as people are different from each other, Sogetsu School encourages ikebana students to be individual and imaginative.
Modern contemporary life is reflected in Sogetsu Ikebana with emphasis on individual expressions. Sogetsu Ikebana can be arranged by anyone, anywhere with whatever material is available. Natural and man made materials are widely used, often in unexpected ways. Students often make their own containers and give special attention to the environment in which the work is placed.
Sogetsu Ikebana is a lifestyle to be appreciated by many people from all over the world, rather than being considered an exclusive aspect of Japanese culture to be enjoyed by a limited number of people. Just as people are different from each other, Sogetsu School encourages ikebana students to be individual and imaginative.
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Wafu
Wafu School emphasizes the natural beauty and abundance of flowers and plants used in their natural state. The school offers several levels of study from beginner through teacher. Arrangers strive for harmony between their work and the environment in which the ikebana arrangement is viewed.
Wafu School emphasizes the natural beauty and abundance of flowers and plants used in their natural state. The school offers several levels of study from beginner through teacher. Arrangers strive for harmony between their work and the environment in which the ikebana arrangement is viewed.
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