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Asheville Ikebana Vessels | ||||
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Art of Ikebana and Kaki (container)
"Ikebana (literally translated "Living Flowers,") is an ancient floral art of Japan which has captured the attention of people throughout the world because of its beautiful, graceful lines and pleasing forms. Kaki (ikebana container) is the most important but it also should not be obvious object. " ~from Ichiyo School of Ikebana web site~
When
an ikebana designer begins an arrangement, he or she will consider,
among other things, the floral material available, the site for the
finished piece, and the kaki (ikebana container). For my
purposes, I will consider some of these things as they relate to
containers. There are aspects of these that will determine the
artistic statement of the product. Some of these aspects are the
shape, the color, the texture, and the definition of space.
Some of the shapes of containers are for classical, mingei (folk art), or free form arrangements. Showing or not showing water is an integral part of the product. Japanese ikebana artists see the sight of water as a cooling element. If it is summer, more water would be shown, in winter, less water is visible. Shape is a factor in the definition of space around the arrangement. The color also reflects the season, a very important consideration in Japanese customs and culture, and the mood of the arrangement. As the artist considers the color of the container, he or she will also consider the contrast, or lack thereof, with the floral material, and the way the color combines with the site. Texture is part of the seasonal aspect with contrast again playing a role in this decision. For example, if a branch is covered with lichen, the artist might look for a smooth texture so that the container will not interfere with interesting nature of the line material. The idea of defining space depends on the container and the chosen platform, whether a flat piece of wood, some interesting paper, an elaborate oriental tray, or many other choices, as it relates to the site. The movement can be inward with the lines moving completely around the arrangement. Another possibility is the movement being windswept with all of the lines moving to one side. Rounded or sharp lines will create very different feelings for the viewer. When a layperson looks at an ikebana arrangement, I hope this explanation of how an ikebana artist begins his or her arrangement will help the viewer understand the art form better. ~ Elizabeth Lanier Campbell
Elizabeth Lanier Campbell Born in Langdale, Alabama, Libby was strongly influenced by her grandmother who studied ikebana. This was fairly common in that the art form had become popular with the wives of officers in the occupying forces in Japan after World War II. she began studying formally with Elaine Jo, Ichiyo Executive Master, in Atlanta in 1994. She lives, teaches, and does floral design and pottery in Asheville, North Carolina where she lives with her son, John, husband, Al, and dog, Blanche du Bois.
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Contact Information Master of Ichiyo School Of Ikebana Elizabeth Lanier Campbell
Asheville, North Carolina
Email: elcamp@charter.net
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Picture Containers: above: Judith Duff bottom: Elizabeth Campbell Ikebana : Elizabeth Campbell |
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