representation of Zen Buddism in Ikebana flower arrangement of Ikenobou School

Abstract

This study aims to describe the philosophy emerges from Ikebana (the Japanese flower arrangement) of Ikenobou school/stream and the representation of beauty concept according to Zen Buddhism in Ikenobou’s ikebana. The research data was contained of seven (7) characteristics of Zen Buddhism according to Hisamatsu Shin’ichi namely: fukinsei, kanso, shizen, kokou, yuugen, datsuzoku, and seijaku within five (5) Ikebana flower arrangements from Ikenobou school namely: rikka, shoka, moribana, nageire, and jiyuka. As the result showed: 1) the prominent characteristic was Seijaku which found in the four Ikebana styles in twenty-one pieces, meanwhile the least characteristics were Fukinsei and Kanso found in two pieces of flower arrangements whereas the Kokou characteristic was absent in all flower arrangements; 2) the representation of beauty philosophy found in the flower arrangement of Ikenobou school/stream through its Ikebana styles were: (a). The 自由化 (Jiyuka) style represented characteristic of: 不均斉 (fukinsei) or asymmetrical, 自然 (shizen) or naturalness, and 脱俗 (datsuzoku) or free from bonds/ties. (b). The 昇華正風一種いけ (Shoka Shofutai Isshuike) style represented the characteristics of 簡素 (kanso) or simplicity. (c). The 立花 (rikka) style represented the characteristic of 幽玄 (yuugen) or deep meaning and (d). 昇華新風 (shoka shinputai) represented the characteristic of 静寂 (sijaku) or stillness/silence.