The Flowers of Japan and the Art of Floral Arrangement

by Josiah Conder

This beautiful and informative book was the first glimpse most Westerners ever had of the Japanese art of ikebana.

Its author, Josiah Conder, was a British architect invited to Japan at the end of the nineteenth century to help create Japan's first Western-style buildings. Conder remained there for the rest of his life, and his love of the country and its culture inspired him to undertake years of study of
Japanese Painting, gardens, and flower arrangement.

Conder's classic text-with its eloquent explanation of why certain seasonal flowers should be used, why some are "felicitous" and others "ominous," and how even the simplest-looking arrangement can mean much more than meets the eye-has a great deal to say not only about ikebana but about Japan's
sense of ceremony and custom.

Richly illustrated throughout, and with sixteen pages of grand color pictures, this new edition of his pioneering work retains the period feel of the original. For modern enthusiasts of ikebana or of more Western-style flower arranging, the book offers a fascinating insight into the sensibilities
that helped form the art, In addition, a wealth of written and pictorial information on the various containers used-bamboo tubes, bronze vases, lacquer ware, and baskets-will appeal to those who have an interest in Oriental antiques.

And to place all this in context, Paula Pryke-the author of Flowers, Flowers!-and Joseph LaPenta, a Tokyo-based ikebana scholar, provide opening commentaries.

Genres: Japan

240 pages, Hardcover

First published May 6, 2004

Reviews

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

To my knowledge the first book written on ikebana the art of Japanese flower arranging. Josiah Condor was a Biritish architect who came to Japan a the beginning of the Meiji area after Japan had been closed to other countries. He gave a lecture at the Asiatic Society on ikebana and after that wrote this book.
He studied the Enshu school of ikebana and there are excellent explanations and examples of flower combinations, their meanings in Japanese culture.
A must reference book for anyone serious about ikebana.
Should be made available in all Libraries

[Annette Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regardless of which school you are with, this book is a must-have for anyone who studies ikebana. Written over 100 years ago, it is the best book I've seen on flower combinations - which plants/flowers to use in each season. It also has extensive information on placement within a room and which to use for various functions and holidays. The back of the book has many illustrations representing a variety of containers and materials.