Japan has a history of art that conveys beauty in a subtle, understated tone. Ikebana, which originated in the country in sixth century BC, is one such art in which different shades of nature and life are expressed through various arrangements of flowers and leaves.
The way the art is practised, the underlying philosophy behind it, and the diverse styles that are in it were discussed and demonstrated during a workshop organised by the Chavara Cultural Centre here on Tuesday.
Anila Mathew, nanobiotechnology research scholar and a licensed Ikebana instructor in Japan, led the workshop.
The practice of arranging flower and leaves in different types of vases according to her began in the Buddhist temples and later spread to aristocratic houses. Explaining the underlying philosophy of the art form with the help of a power-point presentation, Dr. Anila said the flowers and leaves of Ikebana were selected differently for different occasions.
It according to her can be practised by anyone with the help of a few basic materials such as water, flowers, leaves, a vase, a sharp scissors, a few pieces of wire, a flower pin, and a sprayer.
The selection and arrangement of the items differs according to different styles. Ikebana, which means living flowers in Japanese language, tries to project the beauty of even small leaf or a flower in a way that is appealing to the viewer. “Each arrangement is the expression of an inner feeling of the maker,” said Dr. Anila. No artificial flowers are used in Ikebana, which according to her has different school of practitioners in Japan. “A number of people also study this art form professionally there,” she said. Minimalism, asymmetry, choosing flowers according to seasons, and respect for understated beauty are its basic principles.
From contemporary to classic styles, there are a wide variety of approaches in the art form, which according to her was increasingly spreading to other parts of the globe now.
Though there are no strict rules for arranging flowers, certain traditions are followed by its practitioners. It pertains to the selection of flowers, leaves in different size, and the way they are fixed in the vases filled with water. “Water is also sprayed on the leaves and flowers to keep them fresh throughout the day,” she said. Dried leaves and stems are also used for Ikebanas. “The dried items represent death and decay, which is also an integral part of life,” said Dr. Anila maintaining that even torn and blotched leaves are accommodated in Ikebana as it is an inclusive art form.
