According to old and strict rules, the
simplest bouquet for temple or home was not only of symbolic import in its arrangement,
but in its choice of flowers, shrubs, or branches which were appropriate to the season or
to the festival or ceremony of the moment. Familiar combinations of plants, such as the
sho-chiku-bai and the shi kunshi, were also used. Flower vases of infinite variety and
simple beauty were made by famous potters, and the greatest artists delighted in the study
and practice of floral arrangement. It is an art based on a philosophy, and certain
traditions are handed down in the various flower schools. There are fundamental rules
governing the construction of all bouquets - these are, of course, modified to suit the
taste of the designer and the kind of plants used. Formerly, the style known as Rikka was
stiff and formal in character, and the flowers were placed upright. This school is still
adhered to in flower offerings to the gods. Succeeding this method came the Ike-Nobo
arrangement, which, though formal, is pleasing and is in vogue for marriage ceremonies.
Next was introduced, five centuries ago, antother style, known as the Higashi-yama,
followed by the great school of Enshu, which is most popular and most beautiful of all the
many flower arrangements of Japan, and although there are other schools, they differ in
detail, rather than in principle, from the great Enshu school. Here the flowers and
branches are arranged and shaped with thumb and third finger of right hand. The active and
passive principles of Nature are carefully considered, and three main stems or branches
form the basis of its law : Chi is the Earth; Jin the Human; and Ten, Heaven. Chi is the
lowest, Ten, the highest, and Jin is between the two. Ten is placed in the center, Chi on
one side and Jin on the other. This simple, symbolic scheme is often developed into a more
elaborate and complicated symbolism, but simplicity of outline is always adhered to. In
the Chanoyu (Tea ceremony) the arrangement is known as the Nagi-komi method, and is
characterized by extreme simplicity and absence of formality. Sometimes an artificial lake
or mountain, or a miniature garden, is made in a low flat dish, and trees and shrubs are
placed in studied irregularity - the symbolism of garden arrangement receiving close
attention. This is called Hako-Niwa. Carefully arranged floral combinations often form the
decorations on pottery, embroideries and laquers. |
