Flower Arrangement Basics
Our editor provides answers to all your questions about flower arrangement. The basics of flower arrangement are sure to be of great help to you, so let's delve into it together!
Origin of Flower Arrangement
The origin of flower arrangement art should be attributed to people's love for flowers, expressing a certain artistic conception through the fixing of flowers to experience the reality and brilliance of life.
Chinese Flower Arrangement Art
As early as nearly 2000 years ago, China had the concept and prototype of primitive flower arrangement. Flower arrangement became popular during the Tang Dynasty and was widespread in the imperial palace and in temples as offerings to the Buddha. During the Song Dynasty, flower arrangement art had spread among the common people and was favored by scholars. Many poems about flower arrangement appreciation were written during various dynasties. By the Ming Dynasty, flower arrangement art in China had not only become widely popular, but also saw the emergence of flower arrangement monographs, such as Zhang Qiande's "Flower Arrangement in Vases" and Yuan Hongdao's "History of Flower Arrangement." By the Ming Dynasty, Chinese flower arrangement art had reached its peak, with mature and perfect techniques and theories. The style emphasizes the lyrical expression of nature, the elegant and simple portrayal, the graceful and clear colors, and the concise shape. However, flower arrangement art did not receive attention, development, or popularization among the people during the Qing Dynasty. Due to factors such as war and turmoil in modern times, flower arrangement art virtually disappeared among the common people. It was not until recent years, with the development of the national economy and the opening-up policy, that the living standards of the people gradually improved, and flowers gradually returned to people's lives.
Oriental Flower Arrangement
Oriental flower arrangement values nature, emphasizes beautiful lines, and natural postures. The composition and layout are uneven, with a sense of depth and space, and the works are elegant and smooth. According to the natural growth form of plants, there are various forms of flower arrangement, such as upright, inclined, and drooping.
Japanese Flower Arrangement
In the 6th century, the Japanese Emperor sent a special envoy, Ono no Imoko (equivalent to today's diplomats), to China for cultural exchanges and friendly visits. On his return to Japan, he brought many Chinese paintings, sculptures, literature, drama, gardening, and vases of flowers for offering to Buddha. Ono no Imoko was a monk living by the small pond beside the Rokujo Temple in Kyoto, where the first Japanese flower arrangement was completed. Since then, flower arrangement schools have emerged in Japan. The name "Ikebana" originated from the meaning of "by the pond." "Ikebana" is the oldest and most primitive flower arrangement school in Japan, and its current leader is the 45th generation, Mr. Ikebana Sen-ei.
Western Flower Arrangement
Western flower arrangement originated from the Mediterranean coast. It dates back to the Nile River culture period in the 2nd millennium BC. From ancient Greece to the late Roman period, it experienced a period of cultural stagnation during the Middle Ages, and it was not until the 14th to 16th centuries that the foundation of modern Western flower arrangement was established. Compared to Chinese and Japanese flower arrangements, Western flower arrangement emphasizes practicality and design concepts, and it is generally more integrated into daily life, achieving decorative effects in everyday life.
Types of Flower Arrangement
(1) According to their use, they can be roughly divided into ceremonial flower arrangement and artistic flower arrangement.
Ceremonial flower arrangement refers to flower arrangements with specific purposes for social ceremonies, celebrations, weddings, funerals, etc. It can convey friendship, kinship, and love, and express welcome, respect, congratulations, condolences, and mourning. The form is often fixed and simple.
Artistic flower arrangement refers to a type of flower arrangement that does not have specific requirements for social ceremonies, mainly used for artistic appreciation and beautifying the environment.
(2) According to artistic style, they can be divided into Oriental flower arrangement, Western flower arrangement, and modern free-style flower arrangement. Chinese flower arrangement, Oriental flower arrangement includes Chinese and Japanese flower arrangements. Chinese flower art has evolved from the Pre-Qin, Han, Wei, Jin, and Six Dynasties to the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, and even to the present. Characteristics of Nature: Following the natural ecology of plants, trees, and flowers, and grasping the changes of the seasons.
Humanity: Economic benefits, promoting human relationships, and the morality of flowers (flower culture).
Religion: Offering flowers to Buddha, practicing with flowers, and worshipping flowers.
Art: Art of flower materials, flower art, and integrated art.
Types:
Garden flowers: Planted in the garden, considering the artistic growth posture of plants.
Potted plants: Planted in pots, bowls, etc., with roots that can be matched with flowers.
Wearing flowers: Treating flowers as accessories, paying attention to the coordination between clothing and flowers.
Wearing flowers: Placing flowers on the head or collar, focusing on the relationship between flowers and clothing.
Flower baskets: Placed in baskets, paying attention to the effect of flowers and baskets.
Flower vases: Placing cut flowers in water trays or vases, with more symbolic significance and a major type in world flower art, including tray flowers and vase flowers.
Fruit offerings (offering flowers): Mainly using fruits, which are rich in education and art.
Essence of Japanese Flower Arrangement
Dedication: Like the natural world, flowers and trees unselfishly present their most beautiful side to humans.
Patience: Placing a flower or branch in the most appropriate place requires a calm heart.
Vitality: Collecting flower materials, processing branches, stems, and leaves require abundant energy.
Concentration: To truly create perfect works, one must put aside trivial matters and focus, as the saying goes, "Where the spirit goes, the metal opens."
Wisdom: Training oneself to become one with flowers and people, reaching a state of purity.
Japanese flower art has developed many flower arrangement schools based on different flower arrangement concepts, such as Matsubayashi, Nishin, Ohara, and Saga, each with its own unique style completely different from Western flower art, which can be said to be an influential art in the flower art world. Western flower arrangement is divided into two major schools: formal flower arrangement and non-formal flower arrangement. Formal flower arrangement is traditional flower arrangement with rules and layouts, based on the arrangement and lines of flowers. Non-formal flower arrangement is free-style flower arrangement that values nature, disregards form, and combines with modern design, emphasizing color. Traditional flower arrangement is suitable for special social occasions, while free-style flower arrangement is suitable for everyday home decoration.
(3) According to the different flower materials used, they can be divided into fresh flower arrangement, dried flower arrangement, artificial flower arrangement, and mixed flower arrangement;
1. Fresh flower arrangement: Using fresh flowers for arrangement. Its main feature is the most beautiful natural flower material, with bright colors and a strong artistic charm, widely applicable. Its disadvantage is that it does not last long in water, is relatively expensive, and is not suitable for placement in low light.
2. Dried flower arrangement: Using natural dried flowers or processed dried plant materials for arrangement. It retains the natural form of the original plant while allowing for free dyeing and combination. After arrangement, it can be placed for a long time, is easy to manage, and is not limited by lighting, especially suitable for placement in low light. Dried flower works are very popular in some countries and regions in Europe and America. Its disadvantage is that it is afraid of strong sunlight for a long time and is not resistant to humid environments.
3. Artificial flower arrangement: The flower materials used are artificially simulated plant materials, including silk flowers, polyester flowers, etc., with both realistic and freely designed and colored varieties, numerous in types. Artificial flowers are mostly brightly colored, rich in changes, easy to shape, convenient to clean, and can be placed for a long time.
Flower Arrangement Basics
(1) Basic flower arrangement shapes
1. Horizontal: The design emphasizes a horizontal extension with a slightly raised center and graceful curves on both sides. The biggest feature of this shape is that it can be appreciated from any angle. It is often used for dining tables, coffee tables, and conference table decorations.
2. Triangle: The flower materials can be arranged in an equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, or scalene triangle, with a simple and elegant appearance, giving a sense of balance, stability, simplicity, and solemnity. It is often used for ceremonies, openings, and gift baskets. If used in large-scale art performances or other grand occasions, it also exudes a luxurious and grandeur.
3. L-shape: Combining two vertical sides, it presents an unbalanced state. Suitable for display in indoor corners near the wall. The L-shape often plays an important role in the composition of spike-shaped inflorescences. Large flowers and fruits are used at the corner, while smaller flowers extend forward, giving a sense of openness and upward movement.
4. Fan shape: Based on the basic triangular flower arrangement shape, it changes into a radial shape at the center and forms a fan shape. Suitable for display in larger spaces.
5. Inverted T-shape: The whole design is composed in an inverted T-shape. The proportion of the vertical line to the horizontal lines on both sides is 2:1, giving a sense of modernity. It is suitable for decoration in environments with small spaces on both sides.
6. Vertical: The overall shape is upright and upward, giving a sense of upward extension. Suitable for display in tall and narrow spaces.
7. Oval: An elegant and luxurious shape. Using a large amount of flower materials, grouped arrangement, with lower requirements for structure and contrast, presenting a natural and round feeling. Using classical vases as containers, it is suitable for placement in spaces such as churches or ceremonial ceremonies.
8. Inclined: The appearance is an isosceles triangle. The length of the main branch is determined according to the situation, and the whole composition has the characteristics of left and right imbalance. It is often used for linear flower materials, effectively expressing the beauty of extension and nature.
(2) Determining the size in flower arrangement
The proportion between flower materials and the container should be coordinated. Generally speaking, the height of the flower arrangement (the height of the first main branch) should not exceed 1.5-2 times the height of the flower arrangement container. The height of the container is calculated by adding the diameter of the bottle opening to its own height. After determining the height of the first main branch, the height of the second main branch is 2/3 of the height of the first main branch, and the height of the third main branch is 1/2 of the height of the second main branch. In the specific creation process, it can be estimated by experience. The second and third main branches play a balancing role in the composition, with no fixed number, but the size and proportion should be coordinated. Naturally, the coordination between flower materials and containers in flower arrangement must be appropriate, achieving a sense of ups and downs, interspersed density and sparsity, avoiding exposed feet, shrinking heads, and chaos. Formal flower arrangement and abstract flower arrangement are best processed according to the golden section ratio, that is, the bottle height is 3, the height of the flower material is 5, and the total height is 8, with a ratio of 3:5:8. Flower bouquets can also be tied according to this ratio.
(3) Color matching in flower arrangement
The color matching in flower arrangement is both a portrayal of nature and an exaggeration of nature. The selection of the main color tone should suit the environment. Rich and warm tones (red, orange, yellow) are suitable for celebrations, dance halls, restaurants, and exhibition halls. Bright and clean neutral tones are suitable for studies, living rooms, and bedrooms. Cool tones (light yellow, green, blue, purple, white) are often used in mourning and memorial places.
In terms of the types of flower materials, woody plants should be deep and powerful, while herbaceous plants should be bright and charming. Natural flower art mainly uses colors that are not too flashy or dazzling, even without flowers, pine and cypress can also be used as the main characters. Patterned flower art uses rich and fiery colors, and even contrasting colors can be collected in the same work.
In terms of the color coordination between flower materials and containers, simple and delicate flower vases with light-colored chrysanthemums have a harmonious feeling; bright and decorative dahlias with glossy glazed rough pottery can display their rough style; shallow blue water bowls are suitable for inserting low and dense pink chrysanthemums or small chrysanthemums; transparent and delicate glass vases are suitable for inserting African daisies and decorated with vines, allowing the branches and stems to wrap around the vase body.
In terms of the characteristics of Eastern and Western flower art, Western flower art has a large number of branches, rich and contrasting colors; while Eastern flower art has fewer branches, emphasizing the natural beauty of posture, often using light and pale colors, known for elegance.
Flower Arrangement Props
(1) Flower Arrangement Vessels
Flower vessels are essential for flower arrangement design. There are many types of flower vessels, including pottery, glass vessels, rattan, bamboo, grass weaving, chemical resins, etc., with many types in terms of material and shape. Flower vessels should be reasonably selected according to the design purpose, use, and flower materials.
Glass Flower Vessels
The charm of glass flower vessels lies in their transparency and shiny luster. Colored glass mixed with metal oxides and vessels with patterns on the surface can beautifully complement the beauty of flowers.
Plastic Flower Vessels
More economical props. They are cheap, lightweight, and rich in color, with diverse shapes. Widely used in design.
Pottery Flower Vessels
The most common props in flower arrangement design. Chinese, Japanese, and Western styles each have their own merits, highlighting national customs and their respective cultural arts. Therefore, in the choice of use, it should first be consistent with the style of the design.
Rattan, Bamboo, and Grass Weaving
With diverse forms, as natural plant materials are used, it can reflect the natural style. More suitable for natural and unpretentious flower arrangement shapes.
Metals Flower Vessels
Made of copper, iron, silver, tin, and other metal materials, giving a sense of solemnity, thickness, and luxury, and reflecting the art development of different historical periods. It is an indispensable prop in both Eastern and Western flower arrangement arts.
Bisque Pottery
In the trend of returning to nature, bisque pottery has its unique charm. It uses its own natural flavor to make the whole work appear simple and elegant.
(2) Basic Flower Arrangement Props
The art of flower arrangement cannot be separated from various basic props. Reasonable selection and use of props can prolong the flowering period and reflect the designer's artistic cultivation and technical level. Here are the most basic props and materials introduced.
Adhesive Tape
Available in paper and plastic. Generally used to wrap around the outside of iron wires, especially after processing flower materials to prevent dehydration. There are many colors, which should be selected according to the color of the flower stem and the design purpose.
Iron Wire (or Copper Wire)
Needed for fixing or maintaining the shape of flower branches, and for artificial bending and processing. There are many types of iron wires, and they come in different sizes, ranging from 18 to 30 gauge, which should be selected according to the design intent.
Flower Shears, Flower Knife
Flower shears and flower knives are the main tools for cutting flower stems and branches. They should be used selectively according to the type of flower material to be trimmed. Generally speaking, flower shears are used for trimming tough branches, while flower knives are used for trimming the length of fresh flowers, as the cutting surface of the flower knife is relatively flat, and the incision is required to be oblique, which is beneficial for preservation.
Flower Foam
Used to fix flower materials, it is a highly water-absorbent chemical product with good water retention and simple use. Flower foam is divided into fresh flower foam and dried flower foam. Dried flower foam is generally brown, while fresh flower foam is green. Flower foam comes in various shapes, which should be selected according to the flower shape. Dried flower foam is used for dried flower design and cannot absorb water. Fresh flower foam needs to be fully soaked in water before use, and the water should be absorbed naturally by the flower foam without applying any pressure, otherwise, it will cause the condition of being wet on the outside and dry on the inside, directly affecting the water absorption effect of the cut flowers.
Flower Material Selection
(1) What materials can be used for flower arrangement
As long as they have ornamental value and can be watered for a long time or are relatively dry and can be appreciated for a long time without watering, they can be cut and used for flower arrangement. Of course, flower arrangement materials are not limited to live plant materials. Sometimes, dried branches and dried inflorescences and fruit clusters also have beautiful shapes and colors and can be used for flower arrangement.
There are also many artificially processed dried flowers in the current flower market, which are also good flower arrangement materials. Although they do not have the liveliness and vitality of fresh flowers, they have unique natural colors and textures, or can be processed into unique colors. In addition, there are various types of artificial flowers, such as silk flowers, plastic flowers, paper flowers, metal flowers, etc., which can be used to make flower arrangement works. Placed in the living room, they can not only play the decorative role of flowers but also be more economical and practical, and easy to manage.
(2) Tips for Buying Cut Flowers
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