Creating an Upright Ikebana Flower Arrangement
A Basic Technique in Traditional Japanese Flower Design
The upright Ikebana arrangement is based on three main stems, the tallest angled only slightly from a vertical position. It makes use of the design principles of line, mass, color and space.
Equipment and Materials
The Moribana upright arrangement is created in a shallow container. A needle flower holder, also called a “frog” or “pin frog” is used to hold the flowers in place. Garden scissors are needed to cut the flowers and foliage. The frog holder should be placed near the left edge of the container.
Tall upright flowers, such as lilies, chrysanthemums, iris, tulips, roses, narcissus and branches of flowering trees and shrubs work well for this arrangement. Branches bearing only foliage are commonly used, as well. More foliage will be added at the base of the arrangement to finish the look.
Measuring the Three Main Stems
Flower measurements for Ikebana are exacting. For this arrangement, three erect stems form the arrangement’s shape. The tallest will be cut to equal the length of the container plus the container height multipled by 1.5 (in other words, half again as long as the container length and height added together).
The second stem should be cut to three-quarters the length of the first.
The third stem will be three-quarters the length of the second.
A measuring tape isn’t necessary here. A careful eye and outstretched fingers can provide good measurements for the stems. The length of the flower should be included in the calculating. Cutting stems under water will prolong the life of the flowers.
An ideal combination of flowers would be the same type and color (such as white calla lilies) for the two tallest stems and a contrasting flower for the shortest.
Angles of the Main Stems
With the stems cut, it’s time to begin arranging them in the pin frog. The tallest should be placed at a 15-degree angle toward the left, measured from an imaginary vertical axis. It should slant forward.
The second stem will be placed at a 45-degree angle toward the left and forward.
The shortest stem will likewise slant forward, but will be at a 75-degree angle toward the right. This is a very low angle and helps give the arrangement its balance.
Once the stems have been placed in the holder, it’s a good idea to check the shape of the arrangement. The flowers should form a triangular shape with a block of open space above the lowest stem to the right of the taller ones.
Finishing the Arrangement with “Friends”
With the main stems in place, finishing flowers and foliage (called “friends”) can be added using individual imagination and creativity. Rules are much less exacting at this stage, but the arranger should remember that any flowers added at the base should be shorter than the shortest of the main stems. Linear leaves, such as those cut from daffodils or tulips, can be placed at angles to enhance the stems or even curled to fill in the arrangement base. Leafy foliage can help hide the frog holder.
The traditional Japanese art of Ikebana brings not only beautiful flower arrangements, but many practitioners find it also brings them a sense of peace and tranquility. Whether looking for the result or enjoying the process, increasing numbers of people of finding satisfaction in this ancient craft.
Related articles explain how to create a basic slanting Ikebana flower arrangement and a horizontal Ikebana arrangement.
Resources:
- Hideko Hearn, Sogetsu School of Ikebana, Portland, OR
- Ikebana International
Upright Ikebana Design in Moribana Style
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