How to Begin Ikebana

Ikebana is the traditional method of Japanese flower arranging, though there are several specific styles within the discipline, all of which inspire an organic feeling with the blend of nature and humanity in the arrangement. Ikebana flower arrangements will be comprised of minimal elements displayed simply and elegantly to reflect man's relationship with heaven and earth. The presentation can be created with a shallow horizontal container, called the moribana style, or in a tall vase, which is the nageire style. No matter which vessel you select, traditionally the final display will have an open, asymmetrical appearance.

Shallow container, vase, bowl, etc.
Floral frog
Water
Flowers, branches, large leaves or other organic items
Pruners or snips

Instructions

- 1
  Place the floral frog in the bottom of the vase or container. The floral frog will keep your ikebana design stable and in place. Experiment with the placement of the floral frog -- center, to the side or in a corner. By placing the floral frog off center you will be emphasising the asymmetric element of ikebana. Fill the vase or container with water after placing the floral frog.
- 2
  Insert the longest stemmed flower into the floral frog. This is the primary flower in ikebana and represents heaven. The flower can have several blossoms or be a single bloom.
- 3
  Add the next flower or flowers. These flowers symbolize man and should be two-thirds the height of the primary flower. The placement needs to begin to form an open triangular structure, which is traditional in ikebana design.
- 4
  Place the shortest stemmed flowers in front or to the side of the primary and secondary flowers. The short flowers in ikebana represent earth. Your arrangement should contain an odd number of flower stems for simplicity and to keep the design open.
- 5
  Use leaves or greenery to cover any exposed part of the floral frog.

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