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ikebana

noun
ike·​ba·​na | \ ˌi-kā-ˈbä-nə How to pronounce ikebana (audio) , ˌi-ki-, ˌē-\

Definition of ikebana

: the Japanese art of flower arranging that emphasizes form and balance
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Did You Know?

Ikebana is a way of arranging flowers that was developed by the Japanese. It was introduced in Japan in the sixth century by Chinese Buddhist missionaries, who had formalized the ritual of offering flowers to Buddha. The art is based on the harmony of simple linear constructions and the appreciation of the subtle beauty of flowers and natural material, such as branches and stems. There are several major ikebana schools, with differing histories and theories of artistic style. In its highest form, this art form is spiritual and philosophical in nature, but in modern Japan, it is more often practiced as a sign of refinement by marriageable young women and older matrons.

Examples of ikebana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 There will also be an ikebana exhibit, plant and garden tool sales, and live music. — Dakota Kim, Sunset, "The Best Public Gardens in the West Will Make You Glad to Be Alive in 2019," 22 Jan. 2018 Further back, Alyx’s Matthew Williams paired up with artist Haruka Hirata to present a live installation of Japanese ikebana flower arranging, inspired by their studio’s studied preparation for the 1017 Alyx 9SM show in Paris. — Vogue, "Inside Berlin’s First 24-Hour Fashion Festival," 20 May 2019 The label’s signature Rorschach-like prints also decorated the walls, while tapestry panels doused color throughout the minimal space, which was enhanced by ikebana-esque floral arrangements by Flora Starkey. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "The New Museum and Alexander McQueen Honor Laure Prouvost With a Chic Dinner," 5 Nov. 2018 Like all serious sushi shops, the décor is both minimalist and elegant (all the better to focus your attention on the fish) with blonde wood and beige walls, plus a tasteful ikebana flower arrangement in the corner. — Melinda Joe, Condé Nast Traveler, "34 Best Restaurants in Tokyo," 2 Mar. 2018 Elsewhere, Boucheron designer Claire Choisne unveiled a number of necklaces, including ivy and ikebana in yellow gold with diamonds. — Vogue, "From Ana Khouri to Tasaki, A Survey of Couture Week’s Coolest Jewels," 9 July 2018 The book was going to be about ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging that became an enormous part of Beverly’s life after her naval officer husband’s tour of duty in Japan. — John Schwartz, New York Times, "Audiobooks for Those Long Summer Drives, Without the Kids," 28 May 2018 In ikebana, artists value the ideas of wabi-sabi which finds beauty in imperfection, asymmetry, and impermanence. — Nancy Trejos, USA TODAY, "New York City blooms with its annual orchid show," 6 Apr. 2018 Give them a brilliant stage with a metal vase topper inspired by ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging that celebrates every stem. — Martha Stewart, star-telegram, "It's spring, and the Easter decorating and baking ideas are flowering | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 22 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ikebana.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of ikebana

1901, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for ikebana

Japanese, from ikeru to keep alive, arrange + hana flower

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More from Merriam-Webster on ikebana

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with ikebana

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ikebana

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