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Styles: Rikka
The Rikka style was established in the Muromachi
period, in the 15th century. It is said to be the foundation
of Ikebana, from which Shoka, Moribana and Nageire styles evolved.
There are two varieties of Rikka, the traditional Rikka Shofutai
and the more modern, Rikka Shimputai.
Rikka Shofutai
Rikka Shofutai is the most formal
style of Ikebana and has a distinctive character, which expresses
the beauty of
natural
landscape. This classical type of Rikka follows strict rules
and uses special techniques such as wiring. It consists of
nine main stems or parts applying different characters,
length, angles,
and directions of materials to construct a harmonious, scenic
natural landscape.
These nine main stems are Shin, Shoshin,
Soe, Uke, Nagashi, Mikoshi, Hikae, Do, Maeoki. These are
also known as yakueda.
Each yakueda
has a particular function and point of departure from
an imagined vertical line running through the center of the
arrangement.
This point of departure is called de. Each yakueda also
has a particular insertion position on the kenzan (pin holder).
The
height, length and position of each yakueda responds
to or supports another. The harmony of height, width
and depth
is one
of the most important factors to consider. Apart from
these nine main stems, additional stems, called ashirai are
also
required
for completion.
The vase in Rikka usually is 20-30cm
in height and should open out at the top. The stems should
appear
as a clean,
single
, vertical line rising from the centre of the kenzan.
This is called
Mizugiwa, literally translated as water's edge.
Rikka
Shimputai
This modern Rikka style allows more of the arranger’s
expression, thoughts and creativity because it
is released from the rigid
rules and form seen in Shofutai. For example,
Rikka Shimputai does not have fixed points of departure.
Instead
of having nine main stems seen as in Shofutai,
two contrasting main parts construct Rikka
Shimputai, these are
known as Shu
and Yo. Usually two or three sets of Shu and
Yo with ashirai are used in a single arrangement.
The important
factors
to consider are contrasting materials, colour,
quantity and
texture of the
materials.
The distinguishing characteristics
of Rikka Shimputai are brightness, sharpness and striking
or conspicuous
appearance.
These are
similar to Shoka Shimputai, although Rikka
Shimputai has a more relaxed
feeling and fresh appearance.
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