IKEBANA

Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arranging. Ike - bana, literally means "the way of flowers".  It was in fact my Chinese Mother-in-Law who introduced me to Ikebana some years ago. I have found it to be profoundly aesthetic, whilst at the same time minimal, mindful and meditational. I thought that these beautiful floral displays would bring some very special magic to my decor, and by displaying them in my home I discovered that they do have the desired impact both on my family and friends. Planted orchids have been trending for many years now and I think it is their beautiful simplicity, longevity and their lower cost compared with fresh flowers that have made orchid plants very popular in the West. I am of the opinion that an Ikebana flower arrangement, although not quite having the longevity of a planted orchid, brings with it the beauty and simplicity of natural flowers, whilst at the same time providing a very rewarding activity.

This traditional art of flower arranging, emphasizes harmony, balanced asymmetry and simplicity, unlike Western floral arrangements, which often prioritize volume and colour that often can be quite expensive. Ikebana focuses on the lines, shapes, and forms of the stems, leaves, and flowers. Each arrangement is a meditative practice that reflects the beauty of nature and the changing seasons. The minimalist approach encourages the arranger to use fewer elements , creating a sense of space and tranquility. Ikebana is not just about a visually pleasing arrangement but also about capturing the essence and spirit of the natural world.

Although it will take many years to become an expert Ikebana artist it is possible to do some basic and beautiful arrangements without too much instruction. I have listed below some places where you can learn more about this technique and at a later date I will be providing a video and if there is interest an on-line course. I hope that you will let me know what you think of this subject and maybe we can set up a beginners' Ikebana Challenge!

I was particularly excited when I recently discovered an amazing hardcover book in Waterstones in London, UK, one of my favourite book shops. The book is called "Punk Ikebana" actually written by an American, Louesa Roebuck, and in the book she shows you how to make transcendent eco-luxe compositions with seasonal flora foraged from the West Coast. It totally suggests to me a fusion of Western and Eastern ideas and I can see how the traditional Ikebana styles can be creatively brought into modern western homes.

To put together an Ikebana display the only tools you will need are a flower pin frog/kenzan and sharp scissors. Of course you will need a suitable container for your arrangement - I used a soup bowl!

Ikebana ticks so many of the boxes when we think of what Péche Mignon Life is trying to introduce. Most of all, basic designs that are not too difficult to achieve and of course with the need for fewer flowers and the opportunity to forage some greenery it s a very economical way to go whilst still achieving an amazing impact. I hope you will take a little time to meditate!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: ALL LILY ARRANGEMENTS BY SK LAI

IMAGE SOURCES: SHUTTERSTOCK, BENG LAI

USEFUL LINKS:

PIN FROG/KENZAN

There are many types of Kenzan to choose from - this is the one I use and is made in Japan!

PUNK IKEBANA/LOUESA ROEBUCK

MODERN JAPANESE IKEBANA/SHINICHI NAGATSUKA

DOMESTIKA COURSE, IKEBANA: FLOWER ARRANGEMENT FOR BEGINNERS BY LOUISE WARNER

This is a great introductory course to Ikebana!