2012年12月 2日 12:01
To see those things that hide from sight.
The traditional Japanese art of ikebana is famous all around the world, perhaps because the intrinsic beauty of the arrangements speaks to all cultures alike. But they are not to be seen as merely decorative objects. With a little knowledge regarding the history and aesthetics of Japanese art, we can begin to understand their deeper meaning.
"Ikebana" is a portmanteau of "ikeru" - to give life and "hana" - flower. This constitutes the foundation of all the ikebana styles - emphasizing this vital energy, evolution, change. Rather than simply displaying the flowers in an aesthetically pleasing way, ikebana arrangements accentuate their inner character, their individuality - either by recreating the natural energy of their original landscape, or by using the flower materials in such a way as to articulate a certain symbolical meaning, that will reflect something of the artist's personality.
Initially, the art of ikebana developed around the Buddhist temples, where flower arrangements were presented as offerings to the gods, as early as during the Heian era (794-1185). The custom spreaded out throughout the country into the lives of the aristocrats, as well as of the common people. Later on, the arrangements would become part of the traditional setting of tokonoma, as well as the tea rooms - both of these greatly influenced the way the art of arranging flowers was perceived. It gradually began taking on deeper, more insightful meanings.
The oldest school of ikebana is that of Ikenobo, based near the Rokkaku-do temple in Kyoto. At the core of their philosophy we can find the flower buds, the incipient stages, as they symbolize the pure energy of life, opening up into the future.
There are three most important ikebana styles: Rikka - crystallized during the 16th century -, Shoka - a less formal style that took shape about two centuries later and places emphasis on the inner character of the plant -, and finally Jiyuka (or free style), a contemporary style that sets no limits to creativity.
550 years have passed since Ikenobo Senkei was first mentioned in Hekizan Nichiroku (a monk's diary) - such a milestone is definitely worthy of celebration.
On November 17th, I was lucky to attend a special autumn exhibition held by members of the Ikenobo school, spreading across an entire floor of the Takashimaya department store. We could admire more than 200 arrangements, both in traditional and contemporary style. I really learned a lot that day!