Ikebana Balance and Harmony

The Ikebana Exhibit at the Naples Botanical Garden highlighted Balance and Harmony on February 7 and 8. This is an annual celebration of the art of flower arrangement by the Naples Chapter of Ikebana International. Each year, they feature designs in the schools of Ikenobo, Sogetsu, Sensho Ikenobo, and Ohara. The designs explored artistry and tranquility with more than 50 arrangements with live demonstrations.

Visitors to the exhibit enjoyed live floral arranging demonstrations on the lawn and viewed over 50 Ikebana arrangements from the four schools, along with displays of mini arrangements. You could also buy much-needed Ikebana tools, vases, and gifts at the curated Ginza market. A do-it-yourself tent encouraged visitors to create and take home a simple Ikebana floral arrangement.

Balance and Harmony are central to Ikebana and are visible not just in its appearance but through the arrangement of the flowers, branches, leaves, and container – all in harmony with nature. It is an ancient art dating back to the mid-fifteenth century, but the Buddhist practice of offering flowers along with prayers at Buddhist temples has existed in Japan since Buddhism began in the early sixth century.

Noriko Cakmak, with an exhibit in the Ikebana School of Ikenobo, gave a very simple and practical answer, sharing “as the monks take their daily stroll, they pick some flowers along the way and take them back to the temple, arrange them in small vases and set them on the altar and pray.” Ikenobo is considered the oldest and most traditional of the Ikebana schools. In Cakmak’s Ikenobo design, there is an adherence to specific rules and proportion, often using a “triangular” form symbolizing heaven, earth, and humankind, the tallest reaching out to the heavens or the Gods.

Beth Summer has been in the O’Hara School for the past 12 years. O’Hara School was founded in the late nineteenth century when Japan opened itself to the influence of Western culture. It focuses on nature and the changing seasons. Harmony is from materials, containers, and the site selected for display.

Summer’s display is in the reflecting style with three elements: the subject is the willow branch, the object is the protea, and a filler.

The Sogetsu School of Ikebana was started in 1927 by the founder Sofu Teshigahara, who questioned the traditions of ikebana and preferred to respect the freedom of individual expressions. “Anytime, anywhere, by anyone,” — and with any materials — is the creed of the Sogetsu School.

Martha Dykman has been practicing Sogetsu for the last 32 years! She explained her arrangement, showing a container with bent red sticks arranged at an angle. She emphasized that they never use even numbers in their floral arrangements and favors 3-5-7-9.

The Naples Chapter of Ikebana International #160 was founded in 1972, and they include all four major Ikebana schools. Its members are artists, students, and enthusiasts who come together to explore and share the Art of Ikebana. The yearly schedule of events includes workshops, guest speakers, member exhibits, and special events. Most of their meetings are held at the Naples Botanical Garden in Kapnick Hall.