Traditional Japanese Flower Arrangements

Moribana

• The Moribana style of Ikebana features flower arrangements created in a low, shallow, horizontal wide-mouthed container. The word "Moribana" means "piled-up flowers," and arrangements in this Ikebana form will appear to serve up the flowers. Moribana arrangements can have either a vertical or horizontal placement of flowers arranged in an asymmetrical fashion, with the concentration of blossoms close to the wide-mouth shallow container. A floral frog, a heavy metal block with close-set metal needles placed inside the container, holds the flowers in place at the bottom of their stems.

Nageire

• A tall, narrow-mouthed container generally signals the Nageire type of arrangement. "Nageire" means "tossed-in flowers." Nageire arrangements differ from Moribana not only in the type of container used, but also in the way the flowers are secured. Nageire arrangements do not use floral frogs, but incorporate within the floral design elements that will hold the flowers in place. Branches, sometimes criss-crossed at the container mouth frequently support the flower stems, along with several techniques of stem manipulation and alteration to create the desired effect.

Shoka

• Shoka, translated "living flowers," is a classic style of Ikebana flower arranging that has a very simple appearance, but is one of the more difficult styles to master. The Shoka arrangement has a three-branch, asymmetrical triangular structure that symbolizes life, energy and the natural beauty of the arrangement elements. The elements of the arrangement include the container, which symbolizes life, with the branches and flowers rising. Within the Shoka style are two distinctive types of arrangements: the Shoka Shofutai, a more traditional and structured form, and the more modern, free-form Shoka Shimputai.

Rikka

• The ancient Ikebana style of Rikka, translated to mean "standing flowers," may be the foundation by which the modern styles of Moribana, Nageire and Shoka evolved. Rikka Shofutai is the more classical and formal style of Ikebana flower arrangements, with a very distinct characteristic that expresses the beauty of a natural landscape. The arrangement follows strict rules, which include incorporating nine elements, each having a specific function and symbolism. The more modern and recent Rikka Shimputai style allows the creator the freedom to express thoughts and creativity with a relaxed and fresh appearance.