Article in Property Plus, Hindu 24th March 2008

A theme with colour focus
Any green material can contribute to the creation of an ikebana entity, writes Hema Vijay

Nature’s legacy: Ikebana is a beautiful art form that has a close bearing on nature

It is a beautiful art. An art form that gives you a closer connection with nature; an art form that looks great and radiates a live, feel-good aura; art that anybody can get into.
Yes, of course; it is Ikebana, the wonderful Japanese art of flower arrangement that we are talking about.

Ikebana literally means ‘alive plant material’ in Japanese. Not just floral decoration. Ikebana goes beyond and resonates with the spirit.

Among the Ikebana schools, Sogetsu School has charmed the world the most.

In 1927, Sofu Teshigahara recognised ikebana as a creative art and founded the Sogetsu School, which permits a high order of liberty in choice of material used.

Beginning this week, we bring to you some wonderful flower arrangements, along with instructions on how to get it done, and a glance at the symbolism conveyed by the arrangement.

Plantain tales
Our good old Vaazhaipoo in ikebana? Yes, indeed, as this arrangement by Malathi Pandurang, Sankyu Shihan (diploma in Sogetsu School of Ikebana, Tokyo) shows, virtually any green material can go into the creation of an ikebana entity.

"It is a theme with a colour focus, with whatever is available locally", Malathi explains.

The tall vase is solid and sturdy, and it’s green colour and texture suits the plantain flower.

To complement the plantain flower, Malathi has used purple and green statice flowers in the lower part of the arrangement.

The tall vase is essential for using the plantain flower as the heavy plantain flower will otherwise droop right down to the floor, Malathi advises.

Fresh for a week
The arrangement will stay fresh for a week, the banana material in particular.

After every three days, you may cut the bottom edge of the stalks, to retain freshness. Change water after a week.

Though spectacular, it is quite an inexpensive arrangement. The entire plant material cost Malathi just about Rs.20.

It took Malathi a mere 15 minutes to execute the arrangement. "That is because I had already visualised the concept in my mind", she says. "Working with the mind, fingers and brain, and to see something beautiful emerge at the end of just half an hour, it is a rewarding activity. It gives me great tranquility", Malathi says.

To see the original photo, click here