Japanese Ikebana for Every Season

The true meaning of Ikebana&#8212;the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement&#8212;is to take a few beautiful flowers and plants and tastefully present them in very simple containers to enhance home decor. The 53 elegant arrangements featured in <i>Japanese Ikebana for Every Season</i> are perfect for special occasions&#8212;Mother&apos;s Day, Valentine&apos;s Day, birthday, anniversary&#8212;or any event that calls for a flower bouquet. <br><br>The key to good Ikebana arrangements is to understand a few very simple principles&#8212;like the idea of <i>mitate</i>, seeing old things with new eyes&#8212;and to learn a few easy techniques to stabilize and support plants inside a vase or container. Using common flowers and plants from the garden, a nearby field or forest, or the local florist, anyone can easily create these lovely Ikebana in just a few minutes.<br><br>Authors Rie Imai and Yuji Ueno explain how to select flowers and containers from things that are already around&#8212;and then turn them into something special. The basic instructions in the book cover a wide range of styles that encourage readers to use their own creativity rather than copying traditional and highly technical Ikebana design concepts.<br><br>No matter what time of year it is and regardless of your taste or budget&#8212;the arrangements in this book will lend a touch of Japanese elegance to your home.