Shoka, like basic form of ikebana arrangements, is composed of Shin, Soe and Tai. It is mostly defined by (but not confined to) its natural expression of upright growth of plants. Not that both words here are important. Upright defined the overall form of Shoka, it is rather straight forward. Growth is a little harder to grasp. It is important to understand the concept of growth of the plant material from its root to its bud, the full body of the plant...
The New Year's Ikebana arrangement or festive arrangements often uses pine, a material that often renders an arrangement ceremonious. Pine itself refers to eternal youth and longevity, pine used alongside peony symbolize youth and prosperity, pine with bamboo signify prosperity and peace, pine chrysanthemum, orchid or lily stand for joy.
Narcissus, also referred as Suisen in Japanese, blooms in December, in the midst of winter (where it does not snow) or from the beginning of autumn to the beginning of spring. Narcissus anticipates the coming of spring, it always have a congratulatory impression alongside its delicate fragrance even its growth lasts through the season. Most commonly seen, a narcissus arrangement is often an Isshuike Shoka arrangement during the winter season. From mid-season onwards, the material can serve as nejime (filler...
Shoka can be broadly classified into shin, gyo, and so styles. Differences among these styles reflect variations in character and natural growing forms among plants, space for displaying the arrangement and use of different containers as well.
The green floral foam listed as one of the many "floral design essentials" is not green at all, it is a petro-chemical product that will not break down in landfills. Some newer products now claim that they have enhanced biodegradability. Yet, floral foam is essentially made out of plastic, you can imagine how biodegradable plastic really is. However, that is not the point of this blog post, what we want make florists aware of are the harmful chemicals that are present in...
