Ikebana Development of

Zashiki kazari and Tatehana

With the introduction of many Chinese paintings and containers to Japan, shoin-zukuri was developed as an architectural style suitable for display of these art objects. Oshiita, precursor to the tokonoma (alcove) and chigaidana (bi-level shelves) were set up in Buddhist temples and the residences of influential people including the Ashikaga family of the

Muromachi Shogunate, and flower vases were displayed in these spaces. This style of decoration, called “zashiki kazari,” was refined by the Doboshu, attendants to the shogun. Flowers in a vase, incense in a burner, and candles lit in holders were placed as mitsugusoku (a set of three ceremonial objects). Tatehana (a formal flower arrangement with upright form) composed of shin (motoki) and shitakusa was arranged for this purpose.

“Sendensho”

An old printed document from the early Edo Period, believed to contain ikebana teaching of the Muromachi Period. A drawing of flowers arranged as part of mitsugusoku (a set of three ceremonial objects) is included.

Senkei Ikenobo

In “Hekizan nichiroku,” the diary of a zen monk at Tofukuji temple, it is stated that in 1462 Senkei Ikenobo, a priest at the Rokkakudo temple, was invited by a warrior to arrange flowers, and that these flowers were highly praised by the people of Kyoto. The flowers created for zashiki kazari and the flowers arranged by Senkei Ikenobo went beyond yorishiro and traditional styles of Buddhist floral offering, and it can be said that the development of ikebana, unique to Japanese culture, took place at this time.

Oldest Extant Kadensho

“Kao irai no Kadensho” is believed to be the oldest extant manuscript of ikebana teaching, dating from a time shortly after that of Senkei Ikenobo. It shows various arranging styles of ikebana such as tatehana, kakebana (hung on a tokonoma post or wall) and tsuribana (hanging arrangements), enabling us to understand how ikebana was integrated into people’s lives.

“Kao Irai no Kadensho”

This is believed to be the oldest extant manuscript of ikebana teachings handed down in Ikenobo. Dates from 1486 to 1499 are recorded at the end of the document.