The Simplicity and Elegance of Ikebana

Each year, an annual event takes place at the Naples Botanical Garden with a curated display of the captivating world of Ikebana. The Naples Ikebana International Chapter # 160 is one of the largest chapters in the United States, with about 80 members. February 23 through 25, 2024, over 100 exquisitely designed floral arrangements were front and center at Kapnick Hall.

This year’s Ikebana exhibition is titled Floral Art of Ikebana: An Inspirational Exhibition,featuring creations from the schools of Ikenobo, Sogetsu, Shensho Ikenobo, and Ohara. The garden was busy with live Ikebana demonstrations, and a popular activity was the DIY where guests created their own arrangement with the guidance of Sensei’s (teachers). Inside Kapnick Hall was a Ginza sale offering floral tools, vases and materials to complete an Ikebana floral arrangement.

The Ikebana Naples Chapter has four schools of Ikebana, each with its own distinct characteristics but all embodying the simplicity and elegance of Ikebana arrangements. According to Ikebana experts, Ikebana dates back to the fifth or sixth century and specific schools developed about 100 years ago. Here is a brief snapshot of each school.

Ikenobo was the “original school” of Ikebana which has evolved over 555 years. According to the Ikebana Naples Chapter website, “The Ikenobo school of Ikebana has styles of arranging that are complex and simple at the same time and all reflect an understanding and great appreciation of nature.”

Kado Sensho Ikenobo was founded in 1930 and specialists of the way of Kado are called “Kado-ka,” meaning flower masters. They pride themselves in using only plant materials in the designs – “we are one with nature.”

At the beginning of the 19th century, Japan opened its doors to the outside world for the first time in 250 years. Many new floral materials from the West flooded into the country, and for Ushin Ohara, founder of the OharaSchool, “It's very important to use the seasonal floral materials (e.g., cherry blossoms in spring, Japanese iris in summer) even though many flowers are available all year long nowadays.

In 1927, when everybody believed practicing Ikebana meant following established forms, Sofu Teshigahara recognized Ikebana as a creative art and founded the Sogetsu School. The Sogetsu School was a reaction to the strict rules and traditions of other schools and more on free expression.

Sue Pigman, President of the Ikebana Naples Chapter, described her Sogetsu exhibit using the dried roots of a philodendron, two slender sansevieria leaves, an unopened white bird of paradise flower, and a pair of mums – using about six plant materials. Sue discovered Ikebana 12 years ago and tried the other schools but settled on Sogetsu. “The Sogetsu school is open-minded,” Pigman said, “(and) can be done by anyone, anywhere, anytime with any kind of material.” But Pigman also said, “When you start with Sogetsu, you still have to learn all the rules; you have to walk before you can run, and then you can free your creativity.”

When you think of an Ikebana Floral arrangement, the word minimalism is a common theme. It is the opposite of the Western style of floral arrangements where “flowers and foliage” are packed tightly together. Less is more!

The Floral Art of Ikebana Exhibit at the Naples Botanical Garden was a meditative experience. It was also a cultural journey into the past as each Ikebana arrangement takes you to an ancient Japanese practice and tradition that embodies the beauty and harmony with nature. When you think of Ikebana, it means Zen, simplicity, and beauty.

Capturing the beauty and simplicity of the floral arrangement in photography is not always easy. Professional photographer Frank Steiger says that whenever you photograph flowers, you want to keep the flowers separate and open - branches should not overlap. Keep it simple. Similar to photographing an animal, keep it eye level with the camera centered in the middle of the flower. Ikebana and photography are a perfect Zen combination.