Books on Ikebana

[Lady_Disdain]

Can anyone recommend a good book on Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging? I am looking for one that analyses the compositions and shows how each design reflects the philosophy and concepts, breaking it down into the geometry, etc. In other words, gets down to the nitty-gritty, not just a collection of gorgeous photos.

 

[qtiekiki]

I did a paper on Ikebana for HS. It wasn't hard to find books that go through the history and the geometry in my local library. I don't have any titles on hands, but those books are over 15 years old anyways. There are different schools of Ikebana. I think Ikenobo is one of the oldest. Couple others that I remembered are Sogetsu and Ohara.

 

[MollyMalone]

Don't know if you have taken any classes and, if so, what school(s) the teacher was trained in-has embraced, but this book -- Flower Arrangement: The Ikebana Way -- looks promising because it offers perspectives from the headmasters/founder of 3 different schools: Ikenobo (the oldest), Ohara (founded circa 1895), and Sogetsu (~1930). It's currently out of print, but there are a number of copies for sale:
http://www.amazon.com/Flower-Arrangement-The-Ikebana-Way/dp/4079700814/

My introduction to ikebana was a fabulous 3-day program some years ago at Pendle Hill (the Quaker retreat center outside of Philadelphia) developed and taught by Marcia Shibata (trained in Ikenobo, Misho, and Sogetsu) , who regards ikebana as a very contemplative practice. She has not authored a book, but these videos will give you an idea of her approach & perhaps be of value to you:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFAB58BFE4074DCCC

 

[iLander]

It works pretty much like this: big stuff on the bottom, little stuff at the top. Try to make the negative space pleasing.

Always worked for me, lol.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

I really wish there was a decent public library here - my book budget would be considerably lower.

I've never done any Ikebana before but I am really interested in understanding it - I am going to get that book, thanks Molly!

 

[MollyMalone]

I am sorry I don't know exactly where in Brazil you live, but maybe you could take advantage of the instruction offered by one or more of the following?
http://www.sogetsu.or.jp/e/study/class/south_america/
http://www.fmo.org.br/sanguetsu/index.asp
http://www.ikenobo.jp/english/CHAPTER/chapter.html#Brazil
http://www.ohararyu.or.jp/english/overseas/overseas_index.html#BRAZIL

I've found workshops/classes to be very liberating and expanding. Left to my own devices, I'm sure I would be mired in re-creating; I've needed to be goaded-reminded to open myself to the process, let the flowers, etc. speak to me rather than imposing my will on them. But given your very creative nature, as evidenced by your work, I imagine you wouldn't be so handicapped! Still, I think you'd find classes to be very rewarding

 

[lambskin]

I studied Ikebana (Sogetsu) in in Tokyo in 1990. It was wonderful. I always said it should be called 'big flower arrangement with few flowers'. As a Westerner, the concept of negative space being just as important as the flowers was difficult for me as we make our arrangements full. Is there a local botanical or horticultural society in your area? They tend to have shows as well as instruction. Since you are in Brasil, Sao Paulo has a japanese community you may want to tap into. It may have not only lessons and books but the containers you may need. Good Luck! I have never regretted my Ikebana training and use if often.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

I don't know why the thought of classes never crossed my mind! I am going to call some of the teachers and ask.

São Paulo is great for all this stuff. There are a lot of immigrant communities and a very vibrant cultural atmosphere. I do miss this side of São Paulo (but not the pollution, crowded everything and lack of space).

The use of negative space is exactly what attracts me, as well as the balance of individual elements. So elegant and soothing! Do share photos of your arrangements with us.