The Art of Japanese Ikebana

When Messiah Village resident Ruth Zook and her husband were missionaries in Japan for many years, Ruth took Japanese-style flower arranging classes to explore elements of the culture hands-on. The art of Ikebana has since become a long-time hobby of hers, as she experimentally creates new arrangements with fresh flowers from her garden plot in the spring and summer, and even dried flowers in the cooler months.

CREATING WITH IKEBANA

ASYMMETRICAL

Use an informal balance that is not symmetrical.

VASE

Choose a unique vase that compliments the arrangement in color and size.

ELEMENTS

Use up to three different elements, such as stems, flowers, or leaves.

SETTING

Position your arrangement in a location with a neutral, complementary background that doesn’t overpower.

ODD NUMBER

Use an odd number of elements when possible—three is the most common.

SPACE

Allow empty space and breathing room to exist between elements.

Click here to read the full digital version of Unscripted, Fall 2023.