Lessons; estheticsChinese flower art, brief historyThis page contains following subjects:
The beginningIn China we find the roots for the Eastern way of flower arranging. Flower art represents in China since a very long time a unique combination of human spirit and nature. According history in the 5the century after Christ, Buddhism was introduced in China, together with the habit to use flower arranging for worship. Thousand years ago it became a fashion and hobby to appreciate flowers. Flower arrangement was used for celebration and sacrificing. People arranged often in vases and in plates or baskets. Both styles of arranging were widely accepted. Because of a high standard of ceramic art, flower arrangement in vases came in the Ching-dynasty the accepted main style. Flower arrangements were used primarily for religious purpose. To arrange as independent art form was not yet developed. Flowers were personified, had a special quality and were evaluated. Flower arrangement became worth wile because of choosing and combining materials. The style, significance and meaning were of high value. By official occasions, by religious ceremonies, in temples and official occasions, in court and so on, only a person with a very good taste was allowed to arrange the flowers. Dignity solemnity and symbolical meaning were the essentials for the designs. Because of Chinese flower art emphasized the spiritual style, the personal aesthetic feeling of the creator always was essential. Birth day of all flowersThe Swei- and Tang-dynasty (589 till 906) brought prosperity and an era of high cultural level and a comfortable life. People appreciate their free time and to enjoy flowers had a high priority. On a national free day people celebrated the birthday of all flowers, it became a flower festival. Growing flowers and arranging them became popular professions. Slowly changed the purpose of the arrangement from religion to art. Flower books from that time show us exactly in what class flowers belong and what their symbols and characteristics are. Flower arrangements were created according those rules. During the Tang-dynasty, Lwo Chiou presented the nine principles for arranging Peony, the national flower of the Tang-dynasty. Also the knowledge of materials increased. Japanese were strongly influenced in that time by Chinese culture and take over around the 6th century, the Chinese rules for arranging flowers. Nine ranks and livesAfter the Tang-dynasty a period came with violence, pain and suffering for many (907 tot 960). China was concurred by nobleman. Although in this period a creative breakthrough came. Art broke from traditional rules and reached freedom in creativity. Flower art reached a new era. Also simple containers, bowls, baskets, and bamboo cylinders were introduced in flower art. The mystery and atmosphere of nature as well as the personality of the floral artist played an important role in the arrangement. In this period people burnt incenses for the different flowers as an appreciation of fragrance. Flower arrangement since is beyond visual enjoyment only. Flowers were divided into nine ranks and lives (Míng) and personified. New rules gave order flowers to water by different persons. Plum flowers by hermits, Lilium by Taoïst priest, Punica granatum by maidservants and Paeonia by young girls. The invention of the flower holder (a sort of flower plate, which stands inside the container) makes it possible to arrange flowers in a more easy way. The technique changed and improved the quality of flower arrangement. Inner meaningWith the Sung-dynasty (960 till1276) chaos ended. Peace gave people more possibilities to enjoy flowers. Because flower arranging no longer was the privilege of the notability, common people also enjoyed flowers and started to arrange them. Seasonal flower arranging became a trend and a good habit. The mentality influenced the way of flower arranging. The artist put his ambition and will on flowers and his creation. The outer look was less important and evaluated as the inner meaning. In Sung dynasty, flower art have to be Ching (= clearness, pureness). The main expression, structure and idea were Ching. The result was Shu, what means isolation. The flower arrangement was characterized by a large volume. And also by rich forms, colors, and a precise structure. In a lecture about the Fan Villa, by Fan Tacheng, one can reed; plum flowers exceed in elegance. In an arrangement emphasized the slim and horizontal effect. Stems with only a few flowers were selected for this purpose. Flowers are listed with their names and explanation symbolized the mood of people, like anger, sadness and happiness. Because of this, it was possible to communicate between nature and the human mind. Flower holders with 31 holes makes it easy to keep flowers in the good position. Sung-people put their arrangements very precise on a stand or table. The naturalIn 13de century Mongolians invaded China and build their Yuan-dynasty
(1277 till 1367). The Mongolians created an immense empire reaching Europe
and Azië. RevivalChu Yuan-Chang drove the Mongolians out of China and established the
Ming-dynasty (1368 till 1643). Now in China started a new era of revival
of literature and art. Flower arrangements express now the thought of
beauty again. More and more also the vase arrangement became popular.
Pinus and plum were most often used materials. They symbolized noble
characters of persons. Arranging only took place and was the privilege of
the highest, literators and the court. Ming- people paid attention to free
thoughts in their creations. Even it influenced the Japanese style. The
Japanese artist S'ho Ya S'han Lao painted a Chinese flower arrangement,
made by literators. By the Chinese court the splendid stand style was
accepted. Later in 15the century Japanese probably took over this stand
style (Rikka). But they finalized it more precise in all details. People
strived in their arrangements to compositions with a classical elegance
and balance, inspired by the beauty of nature. Yuan Huang-Tao wrote at the
end of the 16the century the book, History of vases, which described in
detail the theory of Chinese flower arrangement. Famous schools were
founded, like Yuan Hung Tao school and the Hung Tao school. RecoveryDuring Ching-dynasty (1644 till 1911) people grow flowers and plants in pots. This even became more popular as flower arranging. Because of this, flower art lost its connection with the tradition of the past. The Manchu's, who are not that barbarian as the Mongolians, continued the traditional culture. Flowers now were personified and infused the spirits of the flowers with myth. Each flower was protected by its own God. Each month had an own specific flower as representative. Many books about flowers are written in this era. In one of these books (Six unforgettable chapters of my life) Sben Fu told: "For a arrangement only few flowers are selected and for each vase only one variety of flowers is suitable." He says, a wide opening of the vase is suitable, but the flowers must be bind together and may not fall apart of lean against the edge of the vase. He emphasized good cutting and binding of the flowers. While cutting he think on the principles of beauty. While cutting one keeps the flowers an observe the movement in slanting style. He removes the leaves and branches, which are too much. During arranging he bend branches till the shape is satisfying. A masterpiece always contains the next four elements: slim, loose, strange (queer) and uneven (odd). Shen-Fu influenced flower art deeply because of his containers and flower frogs (holders). According Sben-Fu it is better the flowers to put on one side of the container in slanting position. Flowers were often tied and put on the nails of the frog. The frogs usually were covered with some sand to give a natural effect. In Ching-dynasty the scenically style was most popular. As example water lily standing or floating on water. A breakthrough in Ching-dynasty was the use of natural colors of vegetable and fruit in the arrangements. RevivalIn the begin of the Ching-dynasty flower arranging was very popular. Because of the circumstances became worse, flower arranging loose its attraction and knowledge disappeared. Many years later around 1900, flower art found a revival when it from Japan in China was re-introduced. Taiwan
Also Chang-Ko Art of Flower Arrangement Center in Taipei, Taiwan, studies Chinese art of flower arranging. Chang-Ko create also new Chinese styles such as K'e (= expression of ethic and social discipline). He creates natural, modern and abstract ideas. We can tell Chinese flower art today is rediscovering the old tradition and restore the artistic value of Chinese flower art. Last update of this page 23.05.2004
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