BOOKS
Houn Ohara.
Ikebana of Japan Moribana Style. 20 arrangements in full color.
Tokyo, Shufunotomo, 1976.
€ 20.00
Softcover, 40pp; (or 20 removable cards), 21.5x15.5cm., ills. in col., in very good condition.
?Ikebana of Japan: Moribana Style by Houn Ohara is a concise yet visually rich guide that introduces readers to the Moribana style of Japanese flower arrangement, a hallmark of the Ohara School of Ikebana. Published in December 1978 by Shufunotomo Co., Ltd., this 40-page paperback features 20 full-color photographs showcasing various Moribana arrangements. Moribana, meaning "piled-up flowers," was developed by Unshin Ohara around 1890 and is characterized by its use of shallow, wide-mouthed containers, allowing for expansive, naturalistic compositions that emphasize horizontal lines and open spaces . This style marked a significant departure from the more vertical and formal arrangements of earlier Ikebana traditions, reflecting a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western influences.? The book serves as both an inspirational visual reference and an educational resource, illustrating the principles of balance, harmony, and seasonal awareness central to Moribana. While the text is primarily in Japanese, the vivid photographs provide valuable insights for practitioners and enthusiasts interested in the art of Ikebana.?Ideal for students of the Ohara School and those seeking to deepen their understanding of Japanese floral art, Ikebana of Japan: Moribana Style offers a glimpse into the elegance and simplicity that define Moribana arrangements.