Customer Reviews

Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arranging for Today's Interiors

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book provides clear and concise instructions on how to produce arrangements. Along with the beautiful pictures, pen sketches show how each flower should be positioned. Arrangements in diverse locations show just how modern ikebana can be. A wonderful read, whether as a guide to ikebana or as a coffee table book.

I bought this book for the pleasure of viewing, rather than of flower-arranging. The book does a very concise explaining of What is ikebana? and of The Techniques. The picture instructions are simple and easy to follow.

What I love most about the book is the careful and thoughtful planning and presentation of ikebana through the seasons.

I've compared this book to other books at the bookstore, and this by far the only one that lived up to the philosophy and practice of Japanese aesthetics. From what I've read on Zen and its philosophy, there is a concept of "ma" and "wa" - one of which is about enough "blank space" around the art form, that helps the eye to appreciate the quality and beauty of lines / texture / forms / space. This book complies to that philosophy.

I am pleased with the quality of paper, and the general layout of the photos, and there is enough text to support each selected flower-arrangement which is helpful to someone who does not know much about the specific aesthetic discipline that is ikebana.

Thanks.

(On a minor note, the book I bought was printed in 2003, and the cover is different from what is shown on Amazon.com)

I bought this book for my mother who knows very little about the art of Japanese flower arranging. The book has lots of photos and a small technical section at the beginning to lay the groundwork. However, it is not too complicated for the average person. There are chapters for each of the four seasons with many large photo examples. The basis of the book is more about aesthetics rather than technique. It explains mostly about the mood you are hoping to achieve. In other words, it is more about the art than the science. It is a good guide for someone interested in creating simple, pleasing Japanese-style flower arrangements for their dinner parties.

This book is outstanding! It makes this beautiful art accessible to everyone. I have used it to introduce Ikebana to my students. If I were to own only one book on Ikebana, this would be it!

I saw this book in a "posh" decorating shop amd then found it on Amazon for less than half price. The book is a treasure! It explains the science as well as the art of Ikebana in a format that makes sense to a Westerner. I've alread made several arrangements of which I am quite proud. The temptation to add "just one more piece" is always there but the book's guidelines keep one in check. Less is more in Ikebana and now I truly understand the why as well as the how.

I purchased this book as a gift for someone who recently returned from a trip to Japan. The book is absolutely beautiful and for those interested in Japanese Flower Arranging, this is one of the greatest books available for high quality color photos of some lovely interiors. Great book for the decorator looking for ideas in a Japanese theme setting.

I bought this book because I love having flowers in my home, but I'm not very good at arranging them. I also bought the book because I like the spareness, the openness of Ikebana. What I especially like about this book is its simple illustrations that explain the various concepts, and that are easy to follow. I also like that it presents arrangements for each of the seasons. This book has definitely been worth the money. I highly recommend it!