# How to Make an Ikebana Arrangement
Ikebana is the ancient Japanese art of flower arrangement. It derives from a philosophy that it is healthy to develop an intimacy with nature. Ikebana uses at least three carefully-placed elements. Common materials are living branches, leaves, grasses, and blossoms, according to Ikebana International. It is important to study the lines of each element as Ikebana is considered a sculptural art.
Things You'll Need
- Shallow vessel
- Pin-type flower holder or frog
- Pruning shears
- Water
- Various types of branches, flowers, stems and grasses
Instructions
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1
Place the pin-type flower holder in the bottom of your vessel. Many Western arrangements are based on a circular form, but in Ikebana, the placement of the flower holder is usually off-center and the arrangement is triangular.
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2
Fill the vessel with water.
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3
Examine your branches carefully to detect their form and lines. Cut the branches at your chosen length at an angle.
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4
Place three branches in the holder, at different heights.
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5
Add elements such as flowers, blossoms or stems.
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6
Study the composition of your arrangement. In Ikebana, negative space is as important as the elements in the arrangement, so be careful not to crowd the container.
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1
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