Japanese Flower Arranging
Cymbidiums Ikebana for the Moment
Grand Ikebana reflects artist’s technique, thought and floral design: the feel of the quince branches guides my fingers. Note placement of the magenta flowers and succulents, as well as out-hanging seasonal leaves. $250
Ikebana: Faces the Honored Guest
Natural touch and feel of the flat pussy willow arises from cymbidium, crimson pin cushions, succulents and harakeke.
Heaven, Earth & Man: the Ikebana Heritage
“Heaven, Earth, and Man” is a principle in ikebana, Japanese flower arranging. It represents the connection and harmonious balance between the natural world (Heaven), the physical environment (Earth), and human beings (Man). Ikebana floral designs express beauty, simplicity, and deep appreciation for nature.
Comment continues at bottom right.
Horizon Ikebana
This ikebana balances vertical and horizontal elements. The vertical branches create a stunning focal point while the horizontal, green, equisetum bundle adds texture and depth. The striking yellow lily and vivid red flowers’ contrasting colors complement each other. And at the base the square black holder sustains Earth
Bouquet to Art combination by Yukiko
Azaleas and Apple Blossoms (1879) by Charles Caryl Coleman inspired my design in foreground. Installed in De Young Museum Gallery, June, 2023.
My Signature Theme Arrangement
I created this arrangement many years ago to express something I felt. I can’t put it into wotds, but the design keeps coming back to me. So, here it is again.
Ikebana means “arranging flowers” in Japanese. It comes from two Japanese words: ikeru, which means living, and hana, which means flower.
Red Quince Ikebana $175
White Quince Ikebana $200
Protea Ikebana
Pussy Willow Ikebana with Calla Lilies $350
Tiburon Ikebana.
This is an early favorite design by Yukiko, often you can see its influence in Studio arrangements.
Favorite Marin Quince Ikebana (Seasonal) $400.00
Washington Berries Delight~ $350
Succulent Ikebana with Red Flower
Ming Fern with Birds of Paradise.
Ikebana Centerpiece: $300
Quince Ikebana $200
Ikebana in low height design $200
White Quince Ikebana (seasonal) $235
Ikebana in Autumn Colors
Centerpiece Ikebana
Dinner party table center: peonies, succulents, equisetum; peonies as the fullest “blossomed” flower is placed in the lowest, or Earth, position $300
Designer’s Notes: Photographing Ikebana
Traditionally ikebana floral designs are displayed in tokonoma facing the guest-of-honor
I photograph ikebana squaring the camera with the front side of the piece. So, in my studio camera height is the same as guest-of-honor’s view when seated on zabuton.
Camera position alters meaning of the flowers. Yet, the ikebana arrangements I create are viewable from all sides.
Magenta Peonies Ikebana
With branches, leaves, harakeke, shown here as delivered to resident of The Tamalpais in Greenbrae, Marin County $300
Where Ikebana Tropicals Come From
The Okinawa islands in southern Japan are the long standing suppliers of tropical flowers to the home islands.
These tropical flowers have settled into traditional Japanese ikebana design.
You can see their presence in the images on this page.
Heaven, Earth & Man - Continued
In the case of arching magnolia branches arranged in two containers, these elements are represented within the ikebana arrangement:
HEAVEN: the Ikebana Concept
- The concept of Heaven in ikebana represents the spiritual realm, transcendence, and the divine. To represent Heaven, incorporate elements that evoke a sense of lightness, elevation, and ethereal beauty. Delicate and graceful magnolia blossoms placed higher in the arrangement, reach upwards as if they are reaching for the heavens. This placement symbolizes the connection between the earthly and the divine.
EARTH: the Earth Element
- The Earth element in ikebana represents the physical realm, nature, and the grounding aspects of life. To represent Earth, elements of the design convey stability, strength, and a connection to the natural world. In this case, the arching magnolia branches themselves symbolize the Earth element. And their sturdy yet graceful structure creates a sense of grounding and balance. Additionally, elements such as moss, stones, or other natural materials reflect the earthy qualities.
MAN: The Man Element
- The Man element represents humanity and human interaction with both the spiritual and physical realms. It signifies the role of the artist in arranging and harmonizing the natural elements. The artist’s choice of containers represents the Man element. Containers complement the magnolia branches and evoke a sense of aesthetic balance. Placing them at a lower level symbolizes the human connection to the earthly realm.
To Order, Call: (415) 456-6763