Flower Arranging and the Idea of Ma - Arranging the Beauty of Silence
Flower arrangement and the concept of "Ma" - creating the beauty of silence
Ikebana is not simply the art of arranging flowers beautifully. It is also a profound philosophy that reexamines the relationship between nature and humans. At its core is the idea of "ma" (space), which is unique to Japanese culture.
"Ma" is not simply a blank space or gap, but something like an invisible breath that resides between sounds, between words and silence, and between flowers and space. Ikebana is the art of arranging this "ma," and a cultural practice that finds beauty in silence.
Flowers don't speak, space speaks
In flower arranging, the selection and arrangement of flowers is of course important, but even more important is the "white space." The silence between branches, and between the container and the flowers, speaks to the viewer's sensibilities.
For example, when arranging a single camellia, it is the silence of the surroundings that accentuates the beauty of the flower. The empty space allows the flower's presence to resonate deeply. This can be said to be symbolic of the Japanese aesthetic sense, which holds that truth resides in silence rather than in the utmost words.
"Ma" is both space and time
"Ma" is a spatial margin, but it also dwells in the flow of time. In flower arranging practice, the "time to wait" before arranging the flowers is also important. Touching the flowers, regulating your breathing, and listening to the sounds of nature. This quiet time gives depth to the work.
This "ability to wait" may be a virtue that is often forgotten in today's fast-paced society. In contrast to social media and the instantaneous transmission of information, flower arranging values "ma" (time) and surrendering oneself to the flow of time, awakening the sensibilities deep within the heart.
The WABISUKE philosophy and the resonance of "Ma"
At WABISUKE, we value this very idea of "space." By leaving space in each product, word, photograph, and color, we design our products so that the recipient's sensibilities are stimulated freely.
Not saying everything, but conveying something deeply by not saying anything. Like flower arranging, meaning resides in silence. This quiet power is what we incorporate into our brand expression.
Arranging flowers means arranging your heart
Flower arranging is also a time to face oneself through flowers, and the "ma" is a quiet space that allows this dialogue to take place.
In the midst of our busy schedules, we suddenly stop and prepare our minds to arrange flowers. Such moments may bring a little poetry into our daily lives.
Related articles and reference links
• Japan Ikebana Art Association | The History and Spirit of Ikebana • Kyoto's Traditional Culture and the Concept of "Ma"