During our conversation with Sachiko Eubanks, a Japanese immigrant, we talked about Japanese culture and traditions and Sachiko referenced Ikebana, the beautiful art of Japanese flower arrangement. We were so intrigued by this art form that we asked Sachiko to come back and share some tips on how to create an Ikebana arrangement. A huge ‘Thank you’ to Sachiko for this lovely instructional tutorial on Ikebana.

In case you missed Sachiko’s interview, you can listen to it here.

Ikebana is the study and practice of the art of arranging flowers in Japan.

In Japan, kebana has always been considered a dignified accomplishment. It is believed that all of Japan’s most celebrated generals have been masters of this art, finding that it calmed their minds and made clear their decisions for the field of action. That warriors like Hideyoshi and Yoshimasa, two of Japan’s most famous generals, found benefit in the practice of ikebana shows that it is valuable training, even for the masculine mind.

There are over 1,000 different types of schools of ikebana throughout the world today. A school is normally headed by an iemoto, oftentimes passed down within a family from one generation to the next. Ikenobō goes back to the 700s CE of the Heian period and is considered the oldest school.

While flower arrangement for many people in the West consists of symmetrically arranging flowering plants in a vase, Japanese Ikebana (literally ‘flowers kept alive’) is a lot more complex. There are many schools, of which the most popular are Ikenobo, Sogetsu and Ohara. There are also different styles depending on the school and the plants and vase used.

Sachiko has been learning Ikebana for about six months now through Anderson Japanese Garden in Illinois. She considers herself a noivice, stating that she has a long way to go before she can perfect this art. There is a lot to study and practice here. And like all art forms, the more you practice, the better you get, she says.

Ikebana has many different schools of instruction and with rules. Sachiko shares some of the basic rules of Ikebana arrangements

1. Ikebana is generally done sitting down with the arrangement at eye level. Being connected and grounded to the earth is important to Ikebana
2. Ikebana is a time to observe nature so silence is important while you arrange. Ikebana brings peace to your mind and calms the mind.
3. Form, shape and lines hold strong meaning in Ikebana as does minimalism
4. Every flower / stem / petal needs to have a purpose and add some meaning to the arrangement
5. Negative space, rule of thirds, elements in odd numbers are welcomed
6. Layers in the arrangement add dimension and depth and is key to a good arrangement

7. An Ikebana arrangement is best viewed at eye level where the viewer can see and appreciate the focus point as well as the depth/layers and the intentional negative space.

To start with your own study of Ikebana, Sachiko says you really don’t need too many instruments and gadgets. A good pair of sharp clippers, a vase with depth and width and a floral frog should get you started. Even flowers are not necessary, many Ikebana artists use foraged twigs, leaves, branches and wild flowers to make stunning arrangements. But Sachiko does stress that one must be in the right frame of mind and follow the basic rules of Ikebana. It is a great way to connect with yourself, your thoughts and with nature. Of course, you can always sign up for an Ikebana class at your local Japanese cultural center!

Thank you again Sachiko and click below to see more images from our Ikebana flower arrangement session with Sachiko Eubanks.

Ikebana Japanese Flower Arrangement Tutorial by Sachiko Eubanks for CulturallyOurs

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