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.