There are several types of arrangements in floral designs. Line arrangement is one of my most favorite ones. Since this arrangement requires a very delicate touch and sense, it is not recommended for entry level designers unless he/she is really talented. Japanese traditional floral design called Ikebana has been often using this particular way of arrangement which features the beauty of graceful linear curve created with long and thin branches (or twigs). Some other greeneries in the shape of linear curve are used instead of twigs.
From the concept that the mentality of Japanese people respects the harmony, accord and coexistence between human beings and nature rather than fighting against nature, they may have developed this particular way of floral designs which are based on natural lines and spaces of the plant materials rather than adopting patterns of designs which are artificial.
As this arrangement is heavily influenced by Japanese Ikebana and the arranging style follows the typical Japanese traditional way of decorations, many floral designers often use containers which are flat and shallow like “Suiban”. Due to the shape of flat and shallow container used for this arrangement, needle point holder (also known as frog or pinpoint holder having so many needles mounted on heavy metal plate) similar to “Kenzan” (specifically designed for Ikebana arrangement) is generally used to make line arrangement of floral decorations. Of course there is no strict rule regarding the choice of container and tools for holding flowers. If you are sure to make line arrangement using other types of container (than shallow type or Suiban) and another kind of tools, that will be fine. Actually well experienced designers often use other types of tools.
According to some people, American and European floral designs are influenced by Japanese traditional floral art (called Ikebana) especially by the arranging method featuring grace of beautiful linear lines. And so developed design is now called “line arrangement” in many of Western countries.
Unlike mass arrangements, there are lots of empty spaces among plant materials in this arrangement and floral designers usually make arrangement to appeal the availability of space among plant materials. As mentioned above and as its name shows, this design puts emphasis mainly on the grace of line made with thin plants especially the beauty of linear lines consisting of thin branches (twigs), leaves or flowers, the colors and sizes of flowers are of less concern.
In Japan there are so many instructors and floral artists specializing in Ikebana and many of their flower arranging works are designed from the concept of emphasizing the beauty of linear line, which is now called “line arrangement” by designers in the United States and most probably in Europe as well. However according to my perception, most of such Japanese floral artists do not recognize that this particular way of Japanese arrangement is now called and categorized in “line arrangement” by American (or European) floral artists.
The world is getting smaller and smaller especially after the internet technology was introduced and people can now access to any kind of information available all over the world. As seen from the situation mentioned above, even traditional cultures such as floral arrangements are influenced each other among Japan, Europe and America.
California Flower Art Academy is pleased to introduce a variety of articles and stories featuring floral designs, floral art, flower festivals and events as well as flower arranging schools/classes all over the world. If you are interested in learning floral designs, no matter what kind, European floral designs or Japanese Ikebana, wedding or funeral decorations, beginner or professional programs, we are more than happy to help you earn practical skills of floral arrangements. For further information, feel free to contact info@california-academy.com
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