Transcript Chapter 2
History of Floral Design
Modified by Georgia Agricultural
Education Office
June, 2002
I.
History of Floral Design
A. Flower arranging is a work
of art.
We follow certain guidelines
to properly arrange flowers so
that they become a “work of
art”. These guidelines are
called principles of design.
Basic laws
fundamentals, truths or methods
of operation that have been
tested and proven for many
centuries.
Arrangements
are judged by these principles.
Tools that will guide in
planning and evaluating
arrangements.
Concepts of floral design
Two concepts developed
independently of each other.
Occidental Style – evolved in
Egyptian and Middle Eastern
Cultures
further developed by the
Europeans
Oriental Style
began in China
later explored by the Japanese
Egyptian Period
2800-28BC
arranged separate rows of
different colored flowers in
shallow bowls
Egyptian period
feast tables were often
decorated with fruits and
vegetables neatly piled in low
baskets
Egyptian Period
several flowers were considered
sacred, symbolizing Egyptian
Gods and Goddesses
Lotus and Water Lilies were
placed in elaborate vases, bowls
and jars
Ancient Greeks
600-146 BC
Did not arrange flowers in
vases, scattered blossoms on
tables and on the streets
Ancient Greeks
flowers were used to make
garland and wreaths worn
during special occasions.
Presented as awards to athletes,
statesmen and soldiers.
Ancient Greeks
the cornucopia (horn or plenty)
was filled with fruits and
vegetables and placed in an
upright position rather than on
its side as done today
Romans
28 BC - 325 AD
continued the customs of the
Greeks
arrangements and usage became
more elaborate
Romans
scatter roses on banquet tables
and on the floor
scarves filled with blossoms
were offered at an altar in
Roman Religious Ceremonies
Romans
Wreaths and Garlands became
more elaborate
Byzantine Period
320-600 AD
arrangements of cut flowers
used again
formal conical designs with
clusters of blossoms at regular
intervals
Middle Ages
476-1600 AD
very little is known about floral
designs of this time period
Renaissance
1400-1600 AD
beautifully documented in
paintings
designs were large, tall,
pyramidal, and symmetrically
balanced
Renaissance
flower arrangements were
loose, un-crowded and airy
formal bouquets featured the
most important flower situated
centrally, at the top of the
bouquet, with other flower
heads turned outward.
Renaissance
flowers were arranged so that
they were about twice the
height of the container
intense colors were used to
create contrast with the white
plastered walls of buildings
Renaissance
several traditional floral designs
of today are styled after
renaissance arrangements
Baroque Period
began as symmetrical, oval
shaped designs
asymmetrical curves in the
shape of a crescent or an “s”
were adopted later
Baroque
an abundance of flower types
and colors were used together
arrangements incorporated a
variety of accessories such as
figurines and butterflies
Baroque
the “s” curve and crescent
arrangements developed during
this period are popular today
Flemish-style
1600-1750 AD
beautifully captured by Dutch
painters
traditional baroque styles were
refined
Flemish style
refined - not as loose and open
better proportioned and more
compact
Rich colors and an array of
flowers were combined into
masses, oval shape bouquets.
Flemish style
The French developed mass
arrangements during the same
time that were lighter and more
airy than those of the Dutch.
Arrangements were made from
delicate flowers in light pastel
colors.
Georgian period
1714-1760 A.D.
Time period that spanned the
reigns of the English kings
George I and George II
Arrangements were greatly
influenced by Chinese arts.
Georgian period
Usually symmetrical and
triangularly shaped.
Many featured a single flower
type.
Designs moved away from
formality and symmetry in the
Georgian period
nosegay, or handheld bouquet
became stylish
small nosegay bouquets placed
in bowls were the first use of
table centerpieces as we know
them today.
Georgian period
Georgian art influenced the
decorative arts in Colonial
America.
Fan shaped and triangular
arrangements were made and
sometimes placed the center of
interest near the rim of the
container.
Georgian period
boxwood, ivy, and magnolia
were used with garden flowers
in the summer
berries, cones, greens with fruit
were used during the winter
along with dried flowers.
Victorian period
1820-1914 A.D.
Flowers were fashionable but
designs were rather
unappealing.
Improperly proportioned
Victorian period
large amounts of flowers
cramped into a container to
create a compact arrangement
usually asymmetrical with no
focal point.
Victorian period
many different flower types and
colors used, arrangements
looked unplanned.
Rules for flower arranging were
established toward the end of
the Victorian period.
Oriental Style
Began in India where Buddhist
priests scattered branches and
stem on altar or placed them in
pottery urns.
Modified by the Chinese during
the first century A.D.
Oriental Style
Arranged flowers in massive
bronze vessels
Felt it was improper to place
flowers carelessly on the altar.
Created symbolic arrangements
Bright colors were favored.
Oriental Style
Usually large and symmetrical
with one or two types of foliage
and flowers placed around a
central branch.
Lightest colors were used at
outer portions of design, darker
ones kept nearest the base.
Oriental Style
Sixth Century A.D. Japanese
adopted many aspects of the
Chinese culture, including floral
arrangement.
Japanese priest named Ikenabo
refined the art.
Oriental Style
His instruction was sought by
other Buddhist priests.
Began the first school of floral
art in Japan which bears his
name.
Oriental Style
Name later changed to Ikebana
which means “giving life to the
flowers.”
Oriental Style
Many schools of Japanese
flower arrangements have
evolved from this original one,
the basic principles can be
traced back to Ikenaba.
Oriental Style
Japanese designs are
characterized by minimum use
of plant material and careful
placement of branches and
flowers.
Each placement and angle has
meaning.
Oriental Style
This type of arrangement
became known as “line
arrangement”
European Style
generally large, round or oval
mass of flowers
flower placement is not rigidly
dictated as in oriental design
European Style
known as mass arrangements
most floral designs in the US
are referred to as “line mass”
and combine Oriental and
European ideas
European Style
American floral design uses
more materials than the Oriental
but far fewer than the European
US floral design is often built
around linear patterns, showing
the Oriental influence.