Creating a Horizontal Ikebana Flower Arrangement

Moribana Style Design that is Perfect for the Dining Table

May 28, 2009

The horizontal pattern in the moribana style of Japanese flower arranging makes a low design that can be viewed from all sides.

In the traditional Japanese art of Ikebana, the moribana style is arranged in a shallow container with branches and flower stems held in place by a needle holder, also called a “pin frog”.

Within the moribana style, traditional designs include the basic upright arrangement, the slanting arrangement. Both of these arrangements are meant to be viewed from the front, with flowers almost reaching out to the viewer.

The horizontal arrangement, however, is designed to be seen from all sides. In addition, it makes a low arrangement that doesn’t interfere with conversation when used as a dining table centerpiece.

Materials and Equipment

As with other Ikebana arrangements in the moribana style, the following equipment and floral material are required:

Three main stems, either flowers or branches, form the structure of an Ikebana arrangement. Two or three additional blossoms, plus leaves and other foliage, will fill in the bottom. Generally, no more than three or four different types of flowers and foliage are used for a single arrangement.

Almost any flowers, including branches, can be used, as long as the main stems are rigid enough to hold their position (arching branches also work and can add interest). Common choices include tulips, narcissus, iris, chrysanthemums, carnations, roses and lilies. Branches with flowers, berries or leaves, or even bare branches, are also used for the main stems. Fresh foliage and blossoms fill in the base.

Cutting the Main Stems

In Ikebana, the three main stems are cut in graduating lengths. The longest is called shin, the second longest is called soe, and the shortest is called hikae. For the horizontal arrangement stem length is measured as follows:

Placing the Main Stems

For this arrangement, the pin frog is placed at the right back of the container. The container should be filled with water to the top of the frog before the stems are put in place. Cutting the stems in water helps preserve them.

With 90 degrees being the horizontal plane, it is clear that the stems extend out at a very low angle.

When the stems are in place, they should for a triangle with equal distance between each when viewed from the top.

Completing the Arrangement

Once the main stems are in place, the arrangement is completed with shorter flowers and foliage called “friends” that complement the main stems. If flowers are used for the structure, the same flowers can be cut shorter and arranged with foliage within the triangle formed by the main stems. The number of additional flowers should be kept to a minimum.

Ikebana flower arrangements make use of the design principles of line, mass, color and space. The main stems form the lines, while flowers lend mass and color. Space is created by the angles of the main stems and should not be interrupted by “friends” that are too tall or too large. Space is also created by the placement of the frog. In this arrangement, the space is in the left of the container, enhanced by the left-angled shin stem.

Ikebana is both an exacting discipline and a creative art. While the structure is traditional, each arrangement will show the individual creativity of the arranger, so no two will be the same.

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