Summer Ikebana -- Contemporary and Traditional

So far this year, it has been a rather mild summer where I live in Japan. There was no real rainy season to speak of, and for most days, the high temperatures have not been above 30 degrees celcius. I have been loving it! Usually, the summers here are so hot and humid!! But by posting this on the internet, I may have jinxed myself! I hope not. I hope the rest of the summer continues to be a pleasant and bearable one.

I have two ikebana arrangements to share with you this time, both of which are summer inspired.

The first is a more contemporary arrangement known as the Circular Form. It is a multisided composition that is suitable for a western style home and can be placed on a table or buffet. It can be viewed from any side making it perfect for a centerpiece on the dining room table. The three main stems are placed along the circumference of a circle pointing outwards and producing a circular or spiral sense of movement.

Circular Form
Sunflower, Prairie Gentian, Asparagus Myriocladus, Baby's Breath

The three stems of sunflower are the main stems of the arrangement and make the basic structure of the circular motion. The asparagus myriocladus is also inserted in the same circualr motion forming a base of green in the arrangement. Prairie gentian is placed throughout to give color and balance to the work. Long stems of the prairie gentian are also used to help strengthen the circular motion. Finally, baby's breath is inserted throughout to give depth and texture to the composition. To me, it also gives a cool feeling to the arrangment, perfect for hot summer days.

View from above
All of the sunflowers extend beyond the border of the container.

The second arrangement is a Realistic Landscape Moribana arrangement. I had materials left over from a special class that I had gone to on Sunday and wanted to use them to make a large summer arrangment.

Realistic Landscape Moribana
Japanese Bell Flower,Vaccinium Oldhammi "Natsu Haze", Hosta Leaves, Solomon's Seal, Daianthus

The Japanese bell flowers, growing at the edge of a mountain stream or river, extend out over the surface of the water. The daianthus also grow in a small clump near the waters edge. The pink color helps to break up the strong green of the arrangement created by the hosta leaves, Solomon's seal and "Natsu Haze".

With the reflection of the materials extending out over the surface of the water, it helps to create a depth to the composition and also makes the viewer feel a little cool when looking at the arrangmenet.

Natural landscapes are the foundation for the Ohara School of Ikebana. Looking at these types of arrangements always gives me a sense of relief and relaxation.

Please feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think of the arrangements. Which one do you like better? What types of materials would you use to create a realistic landscape arrangement where you live?

I hope all of you are having a great summer!