This is a classic guide to 'Ikebana', the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging. It explores the different elements and styles of Ikebana, offering useful tips and detailed descriptions. With photographs and illustrations, it is perfect or beginners and not to be missed by anyone with an interest in the subject. Contents include: “The Spirit of Flower Arrangement”, “Development of Arrangement Style and Their History”, “Formation of 'Rikka' Style”, “Development of 'Shoka' Style Arrangements and their Varieties”, “Development of 'Nageire' and 'Moribana' and their Aesthetic Elements”, “Practical Techniques of Ikeban”, “Variations of 'Shoka', etc. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new introduction on the history of gardening.

"The essence of Shimputai creates 'wa' by combining materials with bright colors, high contrasts and different characters, shapes and environments into one united form."--Jacket.

The Japanese Art of Flower Arranging Ikebana, or Japanese flower arranging, is more than just putting flowers in a container. Ikebana is a disciplined art form in which the arrangement is a living thing, where nature and humanity are brought together. Written by renowned Ikebana expert Shozo Sato, Ikebana: The Art of Arranging Flowers is a classic Ikebana text updated for modern readers. Ikebana history and styles Ikebana: The Art of Arranging Flowers presents a fascinating overview of the history of Ikebana to present day, and introduces classic Ikebana styles such as Rikka, Seika and Moribana to Freestyle. Japanese flower arranging instructions The tools of Ikebana and basic Ikebana flower-arranging techniques are clearly explained. Simple but detailed instructions guide Ikebana enthusiasts through the process of making dozens of stunning floral arrangements.

This colorful flower arranging book features instructions and designs from one of the world's greatest living masters. Asian flower arranging originated in ancient China where it then spread to Japan, Korea and beyond. As influenced by the philosophy of "harmony between man and nature," Chinese flower arrangement advocates for nature to represent life, emphasizes composition to display vividness, and focuses on connotation to exhibit artistic concepts. Gradually, these become the characteristics of Chinese flower arrangement—the beauty of nature and composition which are entirely different from the beauty of western decorative styles. This book records the origin and development of Chinese flower arrangement. Besides the principle of composition, techniques of modeling, and configuration of flowers and materials, you will also discover the methods of production and ten actual flower arrangement projects. You can either follow the lessons step by step or capture the ideas and be inspired to develop your own flower arrangement artwork.

"The growing appreciation of Japanese Art and architecture in the West has extended to the Japanese way with flowers. This book is intended as a complete introduction to Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Beginning with the history and development of the art, and its place in Japanese culture, we introduce the reader to the eleven basic styles. Next comes a large section devoted to vases, materials, tools, and methods. Text and pictures explain how to keep flowers fresh, how to select and prepare both fresh and dried materials, and how to make the most effective use of them. Twelve lessons in creating arrangements in the moibana style follow. I have tried to make this the most carefully detailed and profusely illustrated guide of its kind, enabling the reder to create many beautiful arrangements while learning all the necessary techniques of the art. Finally, there is a section devoted to advanced techniques and designs, both classic and modern, and to the setting of mood. Appedixes suggest ways to keep cut flowers fresh, tell how to make effective arrangements from one's own garden flowers and what plant materials to combine, and describe the symbolism of plants and their enhancement. I hope the reader will find this book enjoyable to read, easy to understand, and fun to follow."--Preface.