Nippon Kadō Koryū is one of the Japanese schools of ikebana.
It was established by Tsuruta Ichiyō in 1920 in Yamanashi Prefecture, an area that was positioned along one of the primary trading routes during the Edo period (1603-1868). As one of the oldest schools of ikebana, it adheres to classical traditions while also incorporating some modern freestyle techniques.
The representative styles of Nippon Kadō Koryū include seika, moribana, and nageire. Seika, one of the most classic styles in ikebana, highlights the natural beauty of materials, using only natural elements to support the arrangement. The contemporary moribana style reflects the evolving ways of life in Japan, while nageire, meaning ‘to throw in,’ involves arrangements typically placed in baskets or vases, often serving as decorations for Japanese tea rooms.
A variety of containers, ranging from hanging to standing and made of materials like bronze (usubata vases), ceramic, and bamboo, are used in this school. In addition to slim, vertical vases, more varied shapes such as boats, stirrups (abumi), and moon forms are employed. While single containers are placed atop stands or bases crafted from wood, bamboo, or urushi lacquer, flower vases within baskets do not require such support.
For modern arrangements, flower holder devices like kenzan or shippo are employed, made from heavy metals to support large or heavy plant elements. Steel scissors (hasami) with large looped handles are another essential tool for practitioners.
In seika arrangements, the hana kubari technique is employed, which entails the use of a stick, split at one end to form a Y-shape. This is then inserted horizontally into the vase to offer structural support. In nageire (throw-in) arrangements, which are typically less stable, small sticks are attached to the ends of stems using a rubber band to provide additional support and to secure the material inside the vessel. This method is called hana kanzashi.
Shaping techniques include tameru, which involves the careful bending of branches by hand, and kiri dame, a method of pruning thicker branches. In this technique, partial cuts are made into the branches before fitting them with small wedges made from the same material.
The use of any material is allowed in Nippon Kadō Koryū arrangements, but there is encouragement to incorporate seasonal materials.
Explore the exquisite artistry of ikebana through monthly changing displays at Japan House London, skilfully crafted by members of the Ikebana International London Chapter.
Thank you to Sumie Takahashi for contributing to this article.