Schools of Ikebana
Over its long history, ikebana has developed into numerous distinct schools. While hundreds of schools are said to exist in Japan today, all trace their origins back to the Ikenobo school. Among the prominent schools established in the modern era, the Ohara and Sogetsu schools are well-known. Here, we introduce the characteristics of each school in a way that is easy to understand, even for those just beginning to learn ikebana.
Ikenobo — The Origin of Ikebana
The history of ikebana was systematized by monks based at Rokkakudo Temple in Kyoto. The central figure was Ikenobo Senkei, who perfected “Rikka,” a grand style expressing the natural mountains, rivers, and plants within a single vase. Later, the simpler and more accessible “Shōka” was developed, spreading into the lives of samurai and commoners alike.
Ikenobo continues its activities today as the “original school of ikebana,” cherishing tradition and formality while incorporating new expressions suited to the modern era. To systematically learn ikebana, understanding Ikenobo is essential.
Ohara School ― Pioneer of Moribana
During the Meiji era, Western cultural influences led to diversification in vases and viewing styles. It was within this context that the “Ohara School” was born. Its founder, Ohara Unshin, devised “Moribana” (spreading flowers), an arrangement style using a flat tray called a suiban to arrange flowers in a spreading form.
Moribana gained popularity as a three-dimensional, highly flexible expression well-suited to modern living environments. Today, the Ohara School upholds the philosophy of “arranging nature,” valuing the creation of works that respect the inherent form of the flowers themselves.
Sogetsu School ― Pursuing Free Expression
Entering the 20th century, ikebana increasingly demanded artistic expression. Founded in 1927 by Sōfū Teshigahara, the Sōgetsu School championed the principle that “ikebana should be free in every way.”
A defining characteristic of Sōgetsu is its incorporation of non-traditional materials like iron, wood fragments, and plastic, breaking free from conventional floral materials and containers. Its works adorn spaces like paintings or sculptures, earning high acclaim as modern art. This style is also accessible to younger generations and international audiences.
Learning a School
When studying ikebana, one must first choose a school. Each has its own textbooks and curriculum, with differing teaching methods and expressive approaches. However, all schools share the core essence of “honoring nature and cultivating the mind through flowers.”
While numerous ikebana schools exist, the most representative are Ikenobo—the originator—Ohara-ryu, which pioneered “Moribana”, and Sogetsu-ryu, which values freedom. Choosing a school that resonates with your sensibilities will allow you to enjoy the appeal of ikebana more deeply.