Keiko's Ikebana: A Contemporary Approach to the Traditional Japanese Art of Flower Arranging [Hardcover]

Keiko Kubo (Author), Erich Schrempp (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 2006

Keiko's Ikebana offers an introduction to this international art form that is both practical and contemporary. Keiko's unique approach combines traditional techniques with modern tastes, incorporating influences ranging from sculpture to today's Western styles. The result is a one-of-a-kind look that is authentic, easy to create and attractive.

The book includes easy-to-follow instructions for creating 20 stunning ikebana arrangements to help readers bring this traditional Japanese art into their own homes. Readers will also be introduced to the history of ikebana, including its evolution from ancient times into the world of modern design, the basic 'rules' of ikebana design and suggestions for finding and choosing materials and supplies.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Kubo brings her skills as a sculptor, certified ikebana instructor and student of Western floral design to this introduction to the traditional Japanese art form, which includes directions for 20 arrangements. The author describes her approach to ikebana as a freestyle mix of classical principles and contemporary Western design. By playing with three main elements (line, volume and accent), Kubo says, even beginners can create a wide variety of designs that bring out the inherent beauty of flowers, leaves, branches and other natural materials. She provides a concise history of ikebana, dating to the sixth-century custom of offering flowers to Buddha; explains styles that have developed up to the present day; and discusses ikebana's close ties to Japanese architecture and culture. Kubo also gives brief but thorough descriptions of the tools and techniques readers will need to master, as well as a list of resources for supplies. Kubo's respectful but eclectic take on tradition is refreshing. Novice practitioners will likely welcome her less-is-more philosophy, in which a minimum of materials are transformed into satisfying art forms. Beautifully illustrated with color photographs by Erich Schrempp, the book is an elegant reminder of nature's subtle ability to nurture the human spirit. (Mar.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"Kubo's respectful but eclectic take on tradition is refreshing. Novice practitioners will likely welcome her less-is-more philosophy, in which a minimum of materials are transformed into satisfying art forms."—Publishers Weekly

"Ikebana enthusiasts-the craft has a devoted following in North America-will find many good ideas here."—Library Journal

"Offers an introduction to this international art that is both practical and contemporary."—Garden Design

"The extraordinarily talented floral design artist, Keiko Kubo, shares her innovative ideas in [Keiko's Ikebana]. The book's content is not only inspirational but also very practical with step-by-step instructions on each design for readers."—The National Gardener

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (March 15, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804837929
• ISBN-13: 978-0804837927
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #384,116 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keoko's Ikebana, January 9, 2007

By 

E. Schrempp - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Keiko's Ikebana: A Contemporary Approach to the Traditional Japanese Art of Flower Arranging (Hardcover)

This book is a pleasure to read and look at even if you don't do flower arranging. The illustrations are beautiful and the writing is clear and direct. I bought multiple copies and gave them to clients for holiday presents, and it was very well received.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Teaches Ikebana, January 14, 2007

By 

Stylianou Soteris "Invest in Yourself" (Cyprus) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Keiko's Ikebana: A Contemporary Approach to the Traditional Japanese Art of Flower Arranging (Hardcover)

Nice book, explains various techniques used in this flower arranging art.
I liked the techniques of creating decorations using more than one vaze side by side and the ways they are connected with flowers.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for learning Japanese flower arranging, February 7, 2010

By 

Patricia P. Carterette "librarian" (Cleveland, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Keiko's Ikebana: A Contemporary Approach to the Traditional Japanese Art of Flower Arranging (Hardcover)

I bought a beautiful Ikebana vase at the Atlanta Arts Festival last year as a gift for my 81 year old mother. The potter who made the vase recommended this book as a companion gift. My mother loved the book with it's clear instructions and visuals. I wish I could attach the photo of her first Ikebana arrangement made with a branch and berries.