Ohara is one of the Japanese schools of ikebana.
Founded in 1895 by Ohara Unshin in the Kobe-Osaka area, the Ohara school emerged during a period when the prevalent practice in ikebana involved arranging works vertically in vessels and vases. This classic style, known as rikka, introduced limitations on types of materials and emphasised adherence to detailed rules.
Ohara pioneered a style of ikebana known as moribana (‘piled up flowers’) that embraced the use of imported flowers from the West. His vision was to create a style of ikebana that could express the beauty of picturesque natural scenery while allowing for more flexible arrangements, than those allowed by the stricter rules of rikka.
Moribana can be divided into shikisai moribana (colour scheme moribana) and shakei moribana (landscape moribana).
In moribana creations, flat containers are frequently used, and elements such as lengths and angles of placement are predetermined according to different styles, materials, and types of containers. While there are opportunities for freestyle arrangements with looser guidelines, the Ohara school upholds an overarching principle that arrangements should always reflect the essence of nature and the changing seasons.
Since its founding, the school has been overseen and managed by the Ohara family and has evolved under successive headmasters. Ohara Kōun, the 2nd headmaster, expanded the school’s influence by exhibiting ikebana in exhibitions and public spaces. The 3rd headmaster, Ohara Hōun, drew inspiration from the Rimpa school of art. Ohara Natsuki, the 4th headmaster, introduced hanamai, translating to ‘dancing flowers’, using only two or three materials.
Currently led by the 5th headmaster, Ohara Hiroki, the school is headquartered in Tokyo, with 145 branches across Japan and an additional 93 branches overseas – making it one of the largest and most prominent ikebana schools today.
Explore the exquisite artistry of ikebana through monthly changing displays at Japan House London, skilfully crafted by members of the Ikebana International London Chapter.
In April 2024, an arrangement by Ohara practitioner Ruriko Kojima is on display.
Thank you to Ruriko Kojima for contributing to this article.