Title: An Interpretation of Ikenobo Senno Kuden (16C) and Its Link to the Freestyle Ikebana Movement in the Modern Japan
Stream: Aesthetics and Design
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Authors:
Shoso Shimbo, International Society of Ikebana Research, Japan
Abstract:
Senno Kuden (15th century) historically presents the most influential definition of ikebana, which includes both ontological and epistemological concerns in representation. Although the former contributed to the development of the common definition of ikebana as a symbolic representation of nature or the universe, it was actually used during the Edo period as a theory to support sanzai style (heaven - earth - people style), an illustrative interpretation of universe. It is the Freestyle Ikebana Movement (the FIM) in 1920’s and 1930’s that criticised the sanzai style under the influence of the Western Modernism. In particular, Suido Yamane, one of the major advocates of the FIM developed a unique theory on jiyuu bana (freestyle ikebana) which sees ikebana as a representation of life energy. This paper points out the similarity between his theory and the epistemological concerns in Senno Kuden, which has not been adequately studied. The view of ikebana as a representation of life energy did not begin with the reformers in 1920’s & 1930’s. Rather it has been around since the early stages of ikebana and deserves more attention. The historical significance of the FIM may lie in its efforts to revive a neglected aspect of the metaphysical discussion of ikebana.
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