Japanese Ikebana for Every Season. Yuji Ueno

lot of fuss. Even a small flower matched with a suitable container gives a very positive impact to a space. The size does not matter; the coordination of the right elements is what counts.

      ASSORTED CONTAINERS

      There are many types of ikebana containers available in different shapes, colors, sizes and textures, but the most practical is a round, square or triangular wide-mouthed cylinder about 30–40 cm (12–15 in) high.

      For beginners, it is a good idea to have a basic cylinder-type vase, since it is useful for practicing the stabilizing techniques described earlier, such as a horizontal support. In some cases, vases with smaller openings are easy to use for arranging because a complicated stabilizing technique is not required.

      1 CERAMIC CONTAINERS A ceramic container is frequently used for ikebana because it has the texture associated with the earth, necessary for most flowers to grow. It also has a warm feeling even if the design is modern. A ceramic container goes well with a naturalistic arrangement.

      2 GLASS VASES The most obvious characteristic of a clear glass vase is its transparency. Because of this, the flowers and the container are united and the whole shape of the arrangement is visible. Glass containers glimmer in the light. A pure, clear and cool sensation is unique to glass and is quite different from the feeling of earthenware.

      As water can be seen through even translucent glass, an arrangement includes the form of the water as well. For that reason, the amount of water and the maintenance of it are also important.

      The clarity of glassware creates a refreshing mood of its own not only for summer but for any season, in either traditional or modern styles. Deliberately exposing the water in an arrangement as a distinct component is an artistic choice, and therefore special attention should be paid to the cut ends of the stems visible in the vase.

      Glass vases

      3 METALLIC CONTAINERS Containers made of metal, such as iron, pewter or copper, have hard surfaces and thus impart a cool feeling. The cold nature of metallic containers makes them suitable for summer arrangements. The dull luster of pewter also fits nicely with winter arrangements. Gleaming metallic containers are often used for arrangements at festivities. The sheen and texture of metal contrasts with flowers and other organic materials and this can give additional impact to an arrangement.

      In Japan, there is an extensive tradition of metal craft, and metallic containers have long been used for ikebana. Copper containers, in particular, are regarded as being noble and are used for classical rikka arrangements even today.

      Metallic containers are relatively easy to use because their heavy weight can support big arrangements. Very firm stabilizing techniques such as a horizontal or cross support that cannot be applied to fragile containers may be used in metal containers because of their durability.

      4 REPURPOSED VESSELS—MITATE In Japan, there is a concept known as mitate, of discovering another value and finding a new appreciation for objects of daily use, such as dishes and tools. In ikebana, the notion is that old or common things can be seen with new eyes and therefore everyday objects can be used as alternative containers. This is a concept borrowed from the Japanese tea ceremony of not relying on stereotypical ideas but seeking your own sense of beauty for yourself. It may be an interesting adventure for you to explore the objects around you and create an original arrangement with the treasures you find.

      5 WOVEN BASKETS Baskets and trays match well with floral materials because both are made of plants. Arrangements in woven containers create a warm and generous impression. A shallow basket complements wild flowers picked in your garden or a meadow. Be sure the separate inner container for water is stable in the basket.

      Metallic containers

      Woven bamboo baskets

      Repurposed vessels

      WHERE TO BUY CONTAINERS Often expensive pottery and antique vessels are used in ikebana. However, you can find good and useful yet inexpensive containers at retail shops specializing in home accessories or interior goods. You may also use receptacles for daily use or other mass-produced items and devices as containers. Western-style vases are often used in Japanese ikebana.

      principles of japanese floral design