Description
Book SynopsisIkebana, or "making flowers alive" in Japanese, is the ancient art of formal flower arrangement. Practiced since the seventh century, the true goal of Ikebana is to take a few beautiful flowers and plants and tastefully present them in very simple containers to enhance home decor. The 53 elegant designs featured in
Japanese Ikebana for Every Season are perfect for special occasions—Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, birthday, anniversary—or any event that calls for a flower bouquet.
The key to proper Ikebana arrangements is to understand a few straightforward principles—like the idea of
mitate, seeing old things with new eyes—and to learn a few easy techniques to stabilize and support plants inside a vase or container. Using common flowers and plants from the garden, a nearby field or forest, or the local florist, anyone can easily create lovely Ikebana in just a few minutes.
Authors Rie Imai and Yuji Ueno explain how to select flowers and containers from things that are already around—and then turn them into something special. The basic instructions in the book cover a wide range of styles that encourage readers to use their own creativity rather than copying traditional and highly technical Ikebana design concepts.
No matter what time of year it is and regardless of your taste or budget, the arrangements in this book will lend a touch of Japanese elegance to your home.
Trade Review"Yuji Ueno's ikebana makes me feel as if the roots of the plants are wriggling in the containers. This impressive book is filled with works that convey the "vibration" Yuji perceives from plants and leads him to create a sense of movement, strength and contrast in his wonderful arrangements." --
Hiroshi Hayama, Owner, Utsuwa Floral Design, San Francisco"In the unique world of Japanese design and Tuttle's tradition of excellence, this is a beautifully photographed collection of expressive and inspiring contemporary ikebana with just the right blend of playful whimsy and serene natural beauty." --
Mary Burnett de Gomez, Ichiyo School Master, Ikebana Instructor and Owner, Hanayagi Japanese Garden Shop, Albuquerque"
Japanese Ikebana for Every Season is a rewarding visual feast for the eyes--as sumptuous as it is celebratory of the Japanese flower arrangement tradition. It rediscovers anew the wondrous, iconic, evocative and arresting beauty of the Ikebana art form." --
Kasumi Yamamoto, chair of the Department of Asian Studies, Williams College
