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                           Change During Shogunate

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                           Change During Shogunate

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The development of Ikebana and Bonsai was significantly influenced during the rule of the Shogunate. For example, the policy of isolation allowed the culture to develop and strengthen as it was not influenced by foreign culture. Bonsai originally known as “punsai” was first adopted by Japan from China during the Kamakura period. The Japanese slightly changed its name, developed more techniques and allowed the cultural practice to flourish. Bonsai was also mainly practiced by wealthy to pass time; this defines the social hierarchy which was very important in Japanese society during Tokugawa Shogunate. Ikebana developed many styles and techniques during the Shogunate, this is because when a group artists known as Doboshu was assigned the responsibility for aesthetics and techniques, some concentrated on flower arrangement and produced a style known as tatebaka. After this, many began to practice Ikebana and master it. “From Azuchi Momato through to the Edo Period, Ikebana was a living art from and changed with the times in both major and minor ways” (Sogetsu Ikebana, 2016). During the Edo Period, the art jumped from the samurai warrior class to townsman or urban merchant culture. This caused the art to be easily influenced, meaning many new styles and techniques were created. During this time, many schools opened to teach the Seika Style and the Iemoto system began. In the 15th century, both Ikebana and Bonsai took off as an art independent from its religious origins, it was also decreed that Ikebana, once a male form was to be a standard part of women’s education. Finally, religion and culture/lifestyle stressed an appreciation of nature and artistic cultivation. This encouraged citizen to practice the art of Ikebana and Bonsai therefore strengthening it and allowing it to grow. It is clear that the rule of the Shogunate had a significant impact on the cultural practice of Bonsai and Ikebana.

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                                                Tokugawa Japan

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                                                Tokugawa Japan

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Tokugawa Japan (aka Edo Period) was a time of great stability as Japan was strictly controlled, very ordered and dependent on social status. Tokugawa Japan encouraged military education, the policy of isolation and the development of castle towns. During this time, a strict social structure and clearly defined classes was developed. The social hierarchy was important to the Japanese as it defined their roles and responsibilities in society. The Emperor was at the top and played a symbolic role (figurehead), he greatly influenced religious practices as people believed he was a descendant of the Gods. He was followed by three warrior classes, Shogun (nobles), Daimyo and Samurai. The Shogun was the military leader, he ruled over Japan and had significant power. The Daimyo owned large sections of land, wealth, and samurai. As the power of the Daimyos began to increase during this time period, the Shogun went to great lengths to try and control them. The last warrior class is the Samurai, they lived by the Bushido code and were highly regarded in society. As the social structure was greatly influenced by Confucian beliefs (five right relationships), farmers followed after the three classes. Farmers held a high status in society however due to 90% of Japan being made up of peasant farmers, their treatment actually depended on their Daimyo. Artisans, craftsmen, and merchants held a low status in society as the objects they produced or sold weren’t essential to surviving. Finally, outcasts existed outside the social structure. “The people understood that society was organised according to a hierarchy” (Clyne, et al. 2012., p. 202). Clothing alongside appearance was an important part of a person’s social status. For example, nobles wore different coloured headbands depending on their rank. “Fortune telling was important in Japan as it would dictate when the Japanese would perform a certain action. For example, declaring war” (Richardson,2008, p.21).   Medieval Japan was known to be a healthy country as there was fresh/clean water for the citizens to use. “Law and order was kept by the daimyo and samurai, the daimyo would make judgements about the issue and the samurai would enforce the decision” (Kruse, 2000, pg. n.a) There were many regulations that guided the daily lives of citizens, for example, what they would eat. This indicates the Japanese valued the contribution an individual gave to society as the more they contributed, the higher they would be in the social hierarchy, thus giving them a more luxurious lifestyle and much more power.

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In modern day society, bonsai and ikebana is still present and essential in schools, festivals, gatherings, exhibitions, organisations and as a form of everyday art. Many schools teaching modern day ikebana and Bonsai have expanded and developed many new art forms such as, moribana style in order to reflect the growing use of Western plants and a more westernized style of life. This is evident “In the 20th century as Sogestu school pioneered freestyle arrangements that incorporate abstract and surrealistic elements. At a contemporary ikebana exhibition, showcased pieces would range from formal classical pieces to modern pieces. This reflects the enormous variety of schools that teach over a million regular students in both Japan and foreign countries.” (Sosnosk, 1996, p.20). Bonsai on the other hand was the subject of much commercial activity in the early 20th century. Due to the popular demand in commercial activity it was essential for kilns to begin mass producing bonsai pots and professional bonsai collectors to go collect trees in mountains. Like Ikebana, Bonsai has also matured and cultivated into a modern day art essential in Japan and an intriguing art foreigners may want to learn.

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The influence of religion on Ikebana and Bonsai

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The influence of religion on Ikebana and Bonsai

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Ikebana and Bonsai were strongly influenced by Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shintoism during the Shogunate.  Bonsai represents nobility and prestige; it was mainly practiced by the rich which is strongly encouraged in Confucianism as they believed everyone should know their place in society. Bonsai further encouraged the middle class and lower class citizens to acknowledge their place in society as stated above, bonsai represents nobility and prestige and was also mainly practiced by the rich.  Bonsai & Ikebana was mainly influenced by Zen Buddhism. Zen Buddhism taught the importance of moral behaviour, meditation, inner strength, patience, enlightenment, development of discipline and human behaviour as art (These values taught by Zen Buddhism is shared in both Bonsai and Ikebana). Buddhist monks would study flower arranging to develop and create a form of art which would assist them during meditating. “Zen monks would develop tray landscapes along certain lines so a single tree in a pot could represent the universe” (Bonsai Empire, 2016). Bonsai and Ikebana reflects a significant influence of Shintoism. This is because Shinto emphasized the importance of peace, tranquillity, and respect for nature. “Ikebana represents the religious concept of harmony and balance (Confucianism) this is as the tallest stem represents heaven, a lower stem represents man while the lowest stem symbolises Earth” (Kruse, 2000,p.161). In the 15th century, both Ikebana and Bonsai took off as an art independent of its religious origins. Nonetheless, Bonsai and Ikebana still reflects a strong influence of religion adopted during Shogunate Japan.

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Shintoism is the oldest and most prevalent religion in Japan. It means “the way of the Gods” and has no scriptures or rules. Shintoist have a strong connection with nature and Kami, who are believed to be sacred spirits. Kami influence all aspects of the natural world and their life. “It was also believed that when they die they would join the spirit world as kami. Hence, it was important for families of the fallen to honour their ancestors through private or public shrines. In order to show respect and cleanse evil spirits, they do the process of purification” (Clyne, et al., 2012). Shintoism is a very open religion and its believers have accepted the existence of other religions, even adopting some of their beliefs and practices. For example, they accepted Confucianism’s moral standards (the need for honesty, kindness, and respect for one’s elders and superiors. Shintoists were also willing to use Buddhism pictures to represent the kami and even include Buddhist ideas in their religion vice versa. Shintoism is the main religion in Japan, therefore, it’s evident throughout Japan e.g. house, place of worship or structure.

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Buddhism is a popular belief system in Japan. It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama and arrived from China in the 6th century. Buddhism emphasizes the importance of following the eightfold path and the four noble truths to not only assist them in their everyday lives but also to lessen their suffering. It is strongly stated in Buddhism that “suffering is a part of life but it is made worse by wanting things. To lessen suffering, one must learn to stop wanting things.” (Clyne, et al. 2012., p. 200) Zen Buddhism, a form of the religion believes in meditation, discipline and that all act of human behaviour is important and artistic e.g. bonsai gardening. The wealthy shared these values thus the religion was first adopted by the wealthy and later respected and used in all parts of society. The popularity of Buddhism is still evident today in modern day Japan.

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Confucianism plays the role of a highly influential religion in Japanese society. Confucianism originated from China and arrived in Japan in the 3rd century. The religion was based upon the morals and values of a Chinese writer & thinker known as Confucius. As his beliefs were valued by many, Confucianism was widespread and very popular. This is evident as Confucianism influenced both the Shinto and samurai community. Confucianism valued the importance of trustworthiness, wisdom, kindness, sobriety and righteousness. It strongly believed and encouraged filial piety, finding balance and harmony in all things and the importance of loyalty to rulers and superiors. As the Confucian beliefs became popular with leaders of Japan, they modelled their public, government and family lives on a set of Confucius rules known as the five right relationships. The influence of Confucianism is highly evident in the medieval society of Japan hence it is believed Confucianism did, in fact, play an important role in society.

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“The arrangement of flowers represents the innermost essence of nature and brings the artist into cosmic truth and can open the way to enlightenment” (Martin,1970,p n.d.)
During Japan Shogunate, Ikebana was a popular creative art with many techniques and styles. Ikebana can be traced back to the 7th century, it was practiced for over 600 years. Ikebana literally translates to “giving life to flowers”. It first began as an art offering flowers in front of statues of Buddha. It is believed the art brings nature and humanity closer by developing graceful lines. Harmony, minimalism, symbolism and meaning of arrangement are central to the essence of Ikebana. The Japanese have always had a strong connection with nature, it is said when studying Ikebana one becomes patient, silent and tolerate in differences. Ikebana is known to also inspire one to look for the beauty in all things and expect the best in yourself. As the creation does not last, Ikebana is said to be like dance or music. The individual preserves traditional forms and develops a new one. “Ikebano schools created styles such as Kuge, Rika, Chabana, Seika/Shoka and Jiyuka.” (Bonsai Empire, 2016) These styles incorporated religious, moral concepts and landscape symbolism. Therefore, it is evident of the many techniques and styles incorporated in the art Ikebana.

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Bonsai emerged in Japan during the Kamakura period (adopted from China), it was a very important cultural practice with an interesting history and many followers. The Chinese first developed the art of Bonsai in 700 AD, however they originally named it “Punsai”. They used special techniques to grow these dwarf trees in containers. Bonsai is literally translated to English as “planted in a container” and represents prestige, nobility, peace, harmony and balance. “Bonsai is a highly distinctive aspect of Japanese gardening; it is the art of trimming a miniature tree that is housed in a pot.” (Clyne, et al., 2012) Many practiced the art of bonsai especially the rich, but everyone grew a form of tree in a pot including the shogun. A show for potted trees was developed in the late 18th century and was held in Kyoto. During Tokugawa Japan, it was common to collect natural dwarf trees or yamadori from the mountain this is because it had developed into samurai tradition. These trees received minimal shaping other than pruning to maintain its size. Later on, they began to shape the Bonsai with bamboo, twine and wire while also using techniques developed for working on garden trees. It is believed after Commodore Matthew Perry’s visit in 1854, Bonsais were taken from Japan. For example, the oldest bonsai in United states was given to Abraham Lincoln in 1865. As evident above, Bonsai’s history has shaped bonsai into an important yet very popular traditional cultural practice.

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Please Find The Bibliography In a Separate Padlet Below.

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The Japanese medieval culture of Bonsai & Ikebana was tremendously influenced by Tokugawa Shogunate (1603- 1867) and the religious belief of Zen Buddhism through its similar values of meditation, human behaviour as an art and enlightenment.