Ikebana Vases

Published on November 2, 2009 by SharifaMcFarlane in Arts

Ikebana vases from Tokoname are prized. Tokoname is an area which is famous for its Ikebana containers and vases.
Ikebana vases made in Tokoname come from some of the oldest kilns in Japan.

Pottery from Tokoname in Aichi, Japan: Image via Wikipedia

Ikebana means ,` bringing flowers to life`. The word for flower container is kaki in Japanese.

In sixth century Japan, when Ikebana originated as a part of Buddhist ceremonies, flowers were arranged in ikebana vases to point towards heaven as a sign of faith.

Ikebana Vases are Important in Ikebana Design

The design of ikebana vases, just like ikebana itself, stresses simplicity. The vases can inspire many different ikebana creations. When the artist imagines the flowers they will use in the arrangement as they would appear when framed by the vase, they create a design in which the shape of the vase is an important element. The color and shape of the vase used to frame the flowers is as much a part of the design as the flowers themselves.

Image via Wikipedia

Many different styles and colors of Japanese ikebana vases are available. Ikebana containers come in many sizes, shapes and forms. Traditional Suiban and Nageire containers can be found in most stores that cater to Ikebana artists.

Vases made in the following styles are available all over the world. Some are especially suited for freestyle designs:

Read more in Arts

« Disco Costumes are Popular

Comic Books for You or Cyberspace? »

Photos: Grace Vargas, Zen Images and Luxfar via Flickr

Tubular vases
Goblet shaped vases
Bowls
Full moon vases
Elliptical open top vases
Crescent moon vases
Double mouth designs
Tall vases
Ovular polygons
Compote
Hollow squares or rectangles
Asymmetrical vases
Basket vases
Contemporary gourd vases
Ceramic bamboo logs

Ikebana Vases Online

Ikebana containers and supplies may be obtained from online stores such as Ziji, Hanayagi and Stone Lantern. Stores such as Timberstone Rustic Arts have a wide variety of Ikebana supplies such as scissors, stands and ikebana containers in stone.

Ikebana Containers From Shigaraki and Tokoname in Japan

To get the best price on your ikebana supplies, use Shopzilla to compare prices on the ikebana containers you are thinking of purchasing. Vases from Tokoname and Shigaraki tend to be more expensive.

Shigaraki ware is made in the Shigaraki area of Japan. Shigaraki has one of the six oldest kilns in Japan. Shigaraki is also famous for its ceramic raccoon dogs.
Tokoname is in the Aichi prefecture in Japan and is an area famous for its pottery and potters. Tokoname has some of Japan’s oldest kilns. The red color in which results form the iron in the clay is a distinctive feature of pottery from Tokoname.