Michi Online Excerpt

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The Japanese Way of the Flower is out of print, but the entire book was recently included in the new anthology The Japanese Way of the Artist. The Japanese Way of the Artist can be purchased at www.amazon.com.

Bellaonline.com Review

Connie Krochmal

BellaOnline's Floral Design Editor

The Japanese Way of the Flower Book Review

“The Japanese Way of the Flower-Ikebana as Moving Meditation” by H. E. Davey and Ann Kameoka, published by Stone Bridge Press

Floral design can fulfill many needs. Certainly, its aesthetic functions are a primary concern. But that shouldn’t override its other roles, and this book focuses on one that we may rarely think about.

The authors came to realize that ikebana is a form of active meditation in which the floral designer becomes one with the flower or floral material. It’s a way to connect with nature. Following the authors’ suggestions, anyone can learn to achieve this form of meditation during the composition of our floral designs.

The book begins with a thoroughly interesting overview of ikebana. The word ikebana means “way of the flower,” which explains part of the book’s title. In addition, the authors explain the fundamental design principles used in ikebana, such as harmony, and balance. They even include a list of colors, and explain what each one means in ikebana.

The authors introduce the idea of oneness with nature, and suggest ways in which readers can learn to interpret nature as part of this process.

In the final chapter, they present some simple exercises one can do as part of the ikebana process with the goal being to unify the mind and body with nature.

Towards the end of the book, there is a list of sources for ikebana instruction and supplies.

There is something for everyone in this book. Floral designers in western countries will find it is a very well-grounded, well-organized, helpful guide to the art of ikebana. Those studying Japanese culture and art will see it as a valuable source of information on how aesthetics have become an important part of human psychology.

Davey is founder and director of the Sennin Foundation Center for Japanese Cultural Arts. Kameoka is a certified instructor of ikebana.

Contents

Preface 6

Acknowledgments 10

A Note on the Japanese Language 12

Chapter 1
Kado: Japanese Flower Arrangement 15

Chapter 2
Unifying Mind, Body & Nature 33

Chapter 3
Fundamental Principles of Kado 81

Chapter 4
Simple Exercises & Easy Arrangements 111

Sources for Instruction & Supplies 146

Notes 149

Glossary 150

Felix Rivera Review

To become one with the universal aspects of ikebana, artists need to understand the relationships among mind, body, and nature. In their thoughtful melding of flower-arrangement techniques, meditation exercises, and the aesthetic and philosophical principles unique to Japanese art, the authors have written eloquently about why and how ikebana, or kado, the Way of the Flower, can be a worthwhile journey of discovery.
Felix G. Rivera, author of Suiseki: The Japanese Art of Miniature Landscape Stones

Internet Book Watch Review

In The Japanese Way Of The Flower, Davey and Kameoka successfully collaborate to instruct the reader in the Japanese art of flower arranging and how it differs from Western floral art. The reader will learn simple meditation exercises to prepare for the process of composition; basic flower arrangements with color photos, diagrams, and step-by-step instructions; important Japanese aesthetic and spiritual concepts; the history of "kado" (The Way of the Flower) and its different stylistic schools; and where to find formal kado instructors and flower arrangement supplies. A very welcome addition to students of Japanese culture, interior decorators, florists, and the non-specialist general reader with an interest in floral arrangements, The Japanese Way Of The Flower is an impressive, authoritative, and comprehensive introduction.

The Japanese Way of the Flower is out of print, but the entire book was recently included in the new anthology The Japanese Way of the Artist. The Japanese Way of the Artist can be purchased at www.amazon.com.

Book Details

Paperback: 144 pages

Publisher: Stone Bridge Press (September 1, 2000)

Language: English

ISBN-13: 978-1880656471

Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.5 inches

From the Authors

Kado is Japanese flower arrangement. It means, “the Way of flowers,” and it’s one of numerous Japanese arts ending in “Do,” indicating “the Way.” Nonetheless, how these arts function as Ways isn’t always understood.

It’s common to state that kado is a Way of life (thus the designation “Do”), and that by practicing, we can transcend it and grasp the art of living. While this is true, it’s uncommon to find a teacher (or book) that can explain how floral art leads to spiritual realization. While some books pay lip service to the ideal of the Way producing spiritual evolution, they also sometimes fail to offer direct explanations and methodologies to help students realize the Way. It’s frequently assumed that merely manipulating flowers will produce profound realizations.

This is untrue and unfortunate. It’s untrue because it’s the manner in which we approach the Ways that determines what we learn from them. Spiritual realization isn’t guaranteed.

It’s unfortunate because the conscious practice of Japanese Do forms truly can result in the cultivation of mind and body. But to use flower arrangement as meditation, we must investigate exactly how it can lead to realization.

Kado’s been the subject of numerous books. Few of these works, however, have explored how it goes beyond floral sculpture and enters into spirituality. Even fewer have offered methods to practice what can be thought of as “flower meditation,” and which are needed for personal growth to take place.

Our book was written to answer that need.

Reviewed by Stephen Fabian

"As artful as a flower arrangement, this succinct, powerful book instructs as well as inspires. From historical overview to stylistic differentiation, and from meditative exercises to basic principles to step-by-step design, this is a wonderful work that will enrich anyone's personal Way of self-cultivation." -Stephen M. Fabian, Ph.D., author of Clearing Away Clouds: Nine Lessons for Life from the Martial Arts

The Japanese Way of the Flower is out of print, but the entire book was recently included in the new anthology The Japanese Way of the Artist. The Japanese Way of the Artist can be purchased at www.amazon.com.

About "The Japanese Way of the Flower: Ikebana as Moving Meditation"

The Japanese Way of the Flower: Ikebana as Moving Meditation is part of Stone Bridge Press's MICHI: JAPANESE ARTS AND WAYS series. From chado--"the Way of tea"--to budo--"the martial Way"--Japan has succeeded in spiritualizing a number of classical arts. The names of these skills often end in Do, also pronounced Michi, meaning the "Way." By studying a Way in detail, we discover vital principles that transcend the art and relate more broadly to the art of living itself. Featuring the work of H. E. Davey and other select authors, books in the series MICHI: JAPANESE ARTS AND WAYS focus on these Do forms. They are about discipline and spirituality, about moving from the particular to the universal... to benefit people of any culture.

This volume of "moving meditations" shows how simple Japanese flower arranging (ikebana) techniques can be used to refresh the body and restore the spirit. Emphasizing that ikebana is first and foremost a "Way"--a spiritual and meditative art--the book offers solid grounding in Japanese aesthetics and philosophy, with references to Zen, tea ceremony, and other traditional Japanese arts. Line drawings and color photographs show step-by-step arrangements especially for beginners and casual practitioners.

The Japanese Way of the Flower is out of print, but the entire book was recently included in the new anthology The Japanese Way of the Artist. The Japanese Way of the Artist can be purchased at www.amazon.com.