The term of Ikebana describes the technique of arranging in artistic manner various flowers into a vase. It is a occupation which truly represents the inner sensibility and the remarkable love for beauty of the japanese nation. An art teeming with symbols, who's main goal is to recreate Nature's universal perfection into the artificial environment of the modern world.
Ikebana generated from the fusion of two old japaneze words,ike- which means to give life- and bana-flower-, this fact explaining in a suggestive way the meaning of this ancient japanese pursuit. It originated in the VI century Japan, ikebana floral systems being used to adorn Buddhist temples. The salient features of this ancient decorative art are unevenness, asymmetry, the pursue of apparently imperfect shapes and last, but not least, the simpleness, a ikebana composition always suggesting the passing of time. This kind of composition evolves on three levels, symbolising the sky, the man and the Earth. Depending on the kind of vase used, there are two types of ikebana, namely Moribana( uses flat vases) and Nageira( the vase is long and thin).
Amongst the plants used in ikebana compositions I can mention roses, irisis, chrysanthemum or tulips. An interesting impression is created by using branches of japanese cherry or apple trees. The ikebana floral composition evolves in accordance with the season, from the austere and dull adornnings during the winter to spring's boom of life, diversity and colour.
Nowdays Ikebana is an art which has developed globally, going long ago beyond Japan's borders. But the Asian country still remains the home of this fascinating occupation, existing more than 15 million practitions of ikebana, and that just amongst the japanese. It is teached as regular subject in over 3000 schools, being recognized countless styles and masters of ikebana.
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