花王以来の花伝書 01b - Public domain dedication image manuscript
Summary
Illustration from the Kaō irai no Kadensho, believed to be the oldest extant manuscript of ikebana teaching, dating from a time shortly after that of Ikenobō Senkei. It shows various arranging styles of tatehana, kakebana (hung on a tokonoma post or wall) and tsuribana (hanging arrangements).日本語: 花王以来の花伝書
Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. It is also known as kadō (華道, "way of flowers"). The tradition dates back to Heian period, when floral offerings were made at altars. Later, flower arrangements were instead used to adorn the tokonoma (alcove) of a traditional Japanese home. The word "ikebana" means "living flowers," and it is a way of expressing the beauty and harmony of nature through the arrangement of flowers and other plant materials. Ikebana dates back to the 7th century when it was developed as a Buddhist floral offering. Over time, it evolved into a more refined art form, and it became associated with the samurai class. Today, Ikebana is still a popular art form in Japan, and there are several schools of Ikebana that teach different styles and techniques.