Ikebana
Ikebana, the art of
Japanese flower arrangement, is one of the traditional arts of
Japan.
Ikebana as an art form has been practiced for
more than 600 years, but its beginnings can be traced to the 6th
Century when Buddhism was introduced to
Japan.
Offerings of flowers were placed on the
altar, and later in containers, in honor of Buddha.
Over the centuries, Ikebana evolved from the temple to the castle
and eventually, to the Japanese home.
Harmony and elegance, simplicity and
asymmetry, transitoriness and closeness to nature are all associated
with Ikebana. Originally
there was only one official
school
of Ikebana,
Ikenobo. Today there are
about 350
registered schools of
Ikebana. They feature
classical, modern and avant garde styles.
