Chapter 2 Principles of Design Principles of Design

Chapter 2 Principles of Design

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 China § later explored by the Japanese

Egyptian Period § 2800 -28 BC § 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 Lillies 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 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 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 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.