Chapter 2

Principles of Design

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 Chinalater explored by the Japanese

Egyptian Period

2800-28BCarranged 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 Lillies were placed in elaborate vases, bowls and jars

Ancient Greeks

600-146 BCDid 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 ADcontinued the customs of the

Greeksarrangements 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 ADarrangements of cut flowers

used againformal conical designs with

clusters of blossoms at regular intervals

Middle Ages

476-1600 ADvery little is known about floral

designs of this time period

Renaissance

1400-1600 ADbeautifully documented in

paintingsdesigns 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 ADbeautifully captured by Dutch

painterstraditional baroque styles were

refined

Flemish style

refined - not as loose and openbetter proportioned and more

compactRich colors and an array of

flowers were combined into masses, oval shape bouquets.

Flemish styleThe 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 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 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 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 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 Buddist 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 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 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 arrangementsmost 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.