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Chapter 2:Principles of Design
History of Floral Design
History of Floral Design
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
Judged by these principlesTools 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
Egyptian Period 2800-28BCArranged separate rows of different
colored flowers in shallow bowlsFeast tables were often decorated
with fruits and vegetables neatly piled in low baskets
Egyptian PeriodSeveral flowers were considered
sacred, symbolizing Egyptian Gods and Goddesses
Lotus and Water Lilies were placed in elaborate vases, bowls and jars
Ancient Greeks600-146 BCDid not arrange flowers in vases,
scattered blossoms on tables and on the streets
Flowers were used to make garland and wreaths worn during special occasions. Presented as awards to athletes, statesmen and soldiers.
Ancient GreeksThe cornucopia (horn or plenty)
was filled with fruits and vegetablesPlaced in an upright position rather
than on its side as done today
Romans28 BC - 325 ADContinued the customs of the GreeksArrangements and usage became
more elaborateScattered roses on banquet tables
and on the floor
RomansScarves filled with blossoms were
offered at an altar in Roman Religious Ceremonies
Wreaths and Garlands became more elaborate
Byzantine Period320-600 ADArrangements of cut flowers
used againFormal conical designs with
clusters of blossoms at regular intervals
Middle Ages476-1600 ADVery little is known about floral
designs of this time periodHerbs were used in medicines and
fruits and vegetables and fruits were used for eating
Flowers were often painted on altars and seen in Persian rugs
Renaissance1400-1600 ADBeautifully documented in paintingsDesigns were large, tall, pyramidal,
and symmetrically balanced
RenaissanceFlower arrangements were
loose, un-crowded and airyFormal bouquets featured the
most important flower situated centrally, at the top of the bouquet, with other flower heads turned outward.
RenaissanceFlowers 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
Several traditional floral designs of today are styled after renaissance arrangements
Baroque PeriodBegan as symmetrical, oval shaped
designsAsymmetrical curves in the shape
of a crescent or an “s” were adopted later
The “s” curve and crescent arrangements developed during this period are popular today
BaroqueAn abundance of flower types and
colors were used togetherArrangements incorporated a
variety of accessories such as figurines and butterflies
Flemish-style1600-1750 ADBeautifully captured by Dutch paintersTraditional baroque styles were refinedRefined - not as loose and openBetter proportioned and more compact
Flemish styleRich colors and an array of flowers were
combined into masses, oval shape bouquets.
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 period1714-1760 A.D.Time period that spanned the reigns
of the English kings George I and George II
Arrangements were greatly influenced by Chinese arts.
Usually symmetrical and triangularly shaped.
Georgian periodUsually symmetrical and
triangularly shaped.Many featured a single flower type.Designs moved away from formality
and symmetry in the late part of the period.
Georgian periodMany featured a single flower type.Designs moved away from formality and
symmetry in the late part of the period.Nosegay, or handheld bouquet became
stylishSmall nosegay bouquets placed in bowls
were the first use of table centerpieces as we know them today.
Georgian periodGeorgian 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 periodBoxwood, 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 period1820-1914 A.D.Flowers were fashionable but
designs were rather unappealing.
Improperly proportionedLarge amounts of flowers
cramped into a container to create a compact arrangement
Victorian periodUsually asymmetrical with no focal
point.Many different flower types and
colors used, arrangements looked unplanned.
Rules for flower arranging were established toward the end of the Victorian period.
Oriental StyleBegan in ChinaLater explored by the JapaneseBegan in India where Buddhist
priests scattered branches and stem on altar or placed them in pottery urns.
Oriental StyleModified by the Chinese during the
first century A.D.Arranged flowers in massive
bronze vesselsFelt it was improper to place
flowers carelessly on the altar.Created symbolic arrangementsBright colors were favored.
Oriental StyleUsually 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 StyleSixth Century A.D. Japanese adopted
many aspects of the Chinese culture, including floral arrangement.
Japanese priest named Ikenabo refined the art.
His instruction was sought by other Buddhist priests.
Began the first school of floral art in Japan which bears his name.
Oriental StyleName later changed to Ikebana
which means “giving life to the flowers.”
Many schools of Japanese flower arrangements have evolved from this original one, the basic principles can be traced back to Ikenaba.
Oriental StyleJapanese designs are
characterized by minimum use of plant material and careful placement of branches and flowers.
Each placement and angle has meaning.
This type of arrangement became known as “line arrangement”
European StyleGenerally large, round or oval mass
of flowersFlower placement is not rigidly
dictated as in oriental designKnown as mass arrangements
European StyleMost floral designs in the US are
referred to as “line mass” and combine Oriental and European ideas
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.