258 Principles of Floral Design
Traditional Design Classifi cations
A more precise way to classify fl oral designs is to categorize them
according to both their regional origin and a historical time frame, or a
modern interpretation of that time frame. Culture again is a dominant factor
in these categories. Because culture is constantly changing, different styles
and techniques become popular over time. Traditional designs are generally
considered to be those that were developed prior to 1900.
Oriental Design Styles
Historically, Japan and China have provided major infl uence over Asian
design styles. In both of these countries, fl oral design was closely related to
religion and philosophy.
Ikebana
Many experts believe that all of today’s formal design
styles, both eastern and western, were originally derived
from ikebana, the traditional Japanese discipline of
fl ower arranging. See Figure 10-11. Formalized in the 15th
century, ikebana was considered not so much an art form
as a method of spiritual development. Today, it is known
as the Japanese art of fl ower arranging, but it remains a
highly disciplined process that has specifi c guidelines.
Over the years, more than 2,000 schools of ikebana
have developed. The most active schools today are the
Ikenobo, Ohara, and Sogetsu. Although each school of
ikebana has its own characteristics, all forms of ikebana
also have several characteristics in common:
• Negative space plays a major role in the design.
• All types of plant material may be used, including
withered leaves as well as branches, stems, and fl owers.
• The design showcases the beauty of individual fl owers
and leaves.
• All of the materials used in the design, including the
container, combine to convey a sense of harmony.
• Designs are highly stylized and have a symbolic meaning.
Most ikebana designs also include three main lines
that provide a framework for the design. However, these lines also have
symbolic meaning and are given names. The names differ in the different
ikebana schools, but their signifi cance remains the same. For example, in the
Sogetsu school, the names are Shin, Soe, and Hikae or Tai.
The Shin is the longest line and is usually created using a branch that is 1 1/2
to 2 times the width of the container. It represents spiritual truth, or heaven. The
second-longest line is the Soe, which represents humans, who form a link between
heaven and earth. It is also usually a branch, and is typically about 3/4 the length
of the Shin. The Hikae or Tai is the shortest line. It can be created using either a
branch or a fl ower. In either case, it should be 1/2 to 3/4 the length of the Soe.
Theodore Scott/Shutterstock.com
Figure 10-11. Ikebana arrangement.