Home > KADOU

What is "KADOU"

KADOU is based on IKEBANA which is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. In contrast to the massing of blooms typical of flower arrangement in western countries, Japanese flower arrangement is based on the line of twigs and/or leaves, filled in with a small number of blooms. The container is also a key element of the composition. The structure of a Japanese flower arrangement is based on a scalene triangle delineated by three main points, usually twigs, considered in some schools to symbolize heaven, earth, and man and in others sun, moon and earth.

KADOU has been practiced for more than 600 years. It developed from the Buddhist ritual of offering flowers to the spirits of the dead. By the middle of the fifteenth century, with the emergence of the first classical styles, KADOU achieved the status of an art form independent of its religious origins, though it continued to retain strong symbolic and philosophical overtones. The first teachers and students were priests and members of the nobility. However, as time passed, many different schools arose, styles changed, and KADOU came to be practiced at all levels of Japanese society.

Patterns and styles evolved so that by the late 15th century, arrangements were common enough that they were appreciated by ordinary people, not just the imperial family and its retainers. Thus began the development of an art form with fixed requirements. Texts were written, the oldest being Sendensho, a compilation covering the years from 1443 to 1536.
It has been known that flowers were used to please gods, goddesses and humans for ages. The use of flowers as offering had long been used through histories. However, in Japan the use of flowers as offering for gods may have influenced how flowers were arranged in the beginning. Although RIKKA has the most complicated, strict forms and patterns, KADOU in the beginning was very simple, constructed only a very few stems of flowers and evergreen branches. This first form of KADOU is called KUGE.

As time passed, KADOU became a major part of traditional festivals, and exhibitions were held periodically. Most of them were still RIKKA. However, by the time of Sen no Rikyu, the tea master, the new style started to emerge. Flowers were now arranged in more relaxed manner with less stems and delicate composition.

mihara

Home > KADOU