History of Floral Design

8945A – Ag 363

Vocabulary Analogous – a color scheme that uses any

three adjacent colors from the color wheel Complementary – a color scheme

consisting of any two colors located opposite each other on the color wheel when used together in a design

Cornucopia – a woven basket or container designed in the shape of a goat’s horn and shown spilling flowers or fruit

Vocabulary Corsage – a grouping of flowers worn by

a woman Garland – a wreath–shaped ornament,

usually worn on the head, that is constructed from flowers and foliage

Hogarthian curve – a design having the shape of a modified S form, the upper portion using 2/3rds of the figure and creating a free-flowing motion that leads the lines of the design to the focal point

Vocabulary Ikebana – the art of Japenese floral

arrangement Liknon – a Roman floral container

consisting of a basket that was high at the back and flattened in front

Line design - oriental style of design Line-mass design – American style of

design that combines the linear shapes with the massing of flowers at the focal point

Vocabulary Mass Design – European floral design

style Nosegay – a grouping of closely spaced

flowers in a hand-held floral arrangement

Shin – the principle element of Japanese floral design (the main stem in arrangements that represent heaven)

Vocabulary Soe – the secondary element of Japanese

floral designs (represents man in a Japanese design)

Tai – the tertiary line of a Japanese design (represents earth in an arrangement)

Tuzzy-muzzy – a small bouquet or arrangement originally designed to hide a vial of smelling salts for young women in Europe and America

Introduction Have you ever wondered when the

art of floral design? Whose idea was it to arrange and

group flowers together? How did our modern design

originate?

Introduction Since the beginning of civilization

flowers have covered the earth, providing color and beauty

Flowers have become more important in the lives of people

Flowers add beauty to our surroundings and signify emotions of love and friendship

Introduction This is important to the designer Have a better understanding of the

origins of floral design used today May have to create an

arrangement to complement a surrounding that represents a specific style or period of time

Egyptian Period (2800-25 BC) Flowers played an important part

in the lives of the Egyptians Their gardens displayed a wide

variety of plant species Flower used included water lilies,

lotus, roses, violets, narcissus, and jasmine

Egyptians Wore garlands or wreaths of flowers

on their heads Blossoms of water lilies were placed

in elaborately constructed vases, bowls, and jars

They favored wide-mouth containers Designs were typically orderly w/

alternating patterns of flowers

Egyptians These containers were often made of

gold, silver, or glass Style can be described as being clear

and simple Colors of red, yellow, and blue were

predominately used Repetition was common with types,

colors, and heights of flowers being repeated in a pattern throughout the design

Greek Period (600-146BC) Did not arrange their flowers in

vases or bouquets During festivals and ceremonies,

flowers were scattered on the ground

Flowers were primarily used to make garlands or wreaths to be worn or carried

Greek Period Wreathes were presented to

outstanding athletes to symbolize victory and dedication

Grew potted plants indoors and in hothouses to supply the desired plant materials

first to have professional florist who did floral work for the people

Greek Period The cornucopia or horn of plenty

was first introduced by the Greek culture

Color was not important The flowers, fragrance, and

symbolism associated with each flower were of foremost importance

Chinese Period (500 BC – 100 AD) Flowers and plant materials were

used in China for decorating the altars used in religious ceremonies performed by Buddhist Priests

Arranged flowers in massive bronze ceremonial vessels

Chinese Period Simplicity as taught by Confucius

led to real enjoyment Only allowed to use ct flowers

sparingly Oriental influence placed emphasis

on the individual form, texture and color of plant material

Chinese Period Four seasons were usually

portrayed by the white-blossomed plum in the winter, the peony in the spring, the lotus in the summer, and the chrysanthemum in the fall

Chinese Period Were usually large, symmetrical,

and simple Lighter flowers were positioned in

the outer portions of the design while darker flowers were placed nearest the base

Chinese V Japanese Design Chinese style is less stylized Japanese style is very formal &

follows strict rules of construction

Roman Period (28 BC – 325 AD) Used Roses at evening banquets

and scattered these roses over the floor

Scarves filled with blossoms were offered at the alter as part of the religious ceremonies

Roman Period Began arranging flowers in a type

of basket called a liknon The flowers used in these

arrangements were highly fragrant and brightly colored

Byzantine Period (320-600AD) Garlands narrow bands of fruits

and flowers alternated with foliage Contributed to floral art through

the introduction of symmetrical, tree-style designs

Byzantine Period Foliage was arranged in containers to

resemble symmetrical, conical trees Flowers and fruit were also used at

regular intervals throughout the design

Color schemes used were analogous accented with complimentary color

Middle Ages (476-1400AD) Portrays flowers arranged in vases Floral paintings show a more informal

and naturalistic appearance Commonly used containers were of

Chinese porcelain that was highly decorated with birds

Fragrant Flowers were highly favored for strewing on the ground, freshening the air, and making wreaths/garlands

Japanese Period (586 AD) This art originated with the

Ikenobo school of floral art. Ikebana became widely used in

worldly and religious art

Japanese Period Characterized by

Linear forms Straight, curved, or angular lines of flowers

and foliage balance the bold open spaces between the plant materials

Principle shows that “man is found between the sphere of heaven and the soil of the earth” Heaven is the subject - Shin Man as the secondary - Soe Earth is the object - Tai

Renaissance Period (1400-1600AD) Along with the Rebirth of learning

came an interest in gardening Extensive gardens of flowers were

planted for beauty instead of for utilitarian purposes

Bright colors and forms of flowers were used as focus

Renaissance Period Flowers were positioned in the design in

a loose, un-crowded, an airy manner Brilliant colors in the designs to create

contrast with the white, interior walls of homes and buildings

Paintings from this period often show vases of flowers because flowers had great symbolism The rose symbolized sacred or profane love

Renaissance Period Single white lily placed in a jug is typical Flowers arranged in vases so that only

blossoms were visible Elaborate metal containers with well

formed bases, stems, necks & handles were popular

Some containers were made especially for flowers (holes in a removable lid to hold flowers in place)

Baroque Period (1600-1775 AD) Art is no longer just for the church or

nobility, it is now accessible to the middle class

Paintings show arrangements in everyday settings

Many interiors were over decorated and gaudy

Designs became more creative and expressive

Baroque Period Massive and sturdy Metal and stone urns Chinese and Japanese vases,

bowls, and flasks

Flemish Style (1550-1750 AD) Tulips were used abundantly in the

Flemish designs and combines with a variety of other flower types

They were the first to combine the mass designs of the Romans and the line designs of the Orient into Line-mass designs

They never physically arranged flowers in to designs

Painted pictures of floral designs

Flemish Style This could have never happened in

“real life” because the flowers in the picture never grew at the same time of the year

During this time period there was no way to preserve the cut life of fresh cut flowers

English Georgian Period (1714-1760AD) Named for English King George I,

II, III Flowers were used to construct

neck and hair pieces for fashionable women

English Georgian Period Nosegays were first carried by men

at first in England Because body deodorants and

colognes did not exist yet and a man’s body odor became rather obvious

The fragrance from the flowers made friendly greetings more tolerable while “keeping the nose happy”

English Georgian Period Tuzzy-muzzies were designed and placed

in bowls They were used as table centerpieces for

both formal and informal events In the home they were used to freshen

damp, musty odors Fragrant flowers were used because of

the belief that their scent would help keep away germs and prevent plagues and diseases

Victorian Period (1820-1914AD) Use of flowers was very fashionable

during the reign of Queen Victoria of England

Named for Queen Victoria who reigned in England from 1837 to 1901

Victorian interiors were lavishly decorated in heavy colors and patterns

Victorian Period Time of great enthusiasm about

flowers; floral design was taught and recognized as art

First attempt to establish rules for floral arranging

Victorian Period Described as grouping large

masses of flowers, foliage, and grasses together to create a design with no center of interest

Usually round or oval shaped arrangements

American Styles of Floral Design

Early American Colonial

Neoclassic American Victorian

Early American Style Focused on natural styles and

arrangements Wildflowers, grains, and grasses

were often placed in everyday jugs and pitchers to make an arrangement

Colonial Style: 1714 - 1780 Typical arrangements were

massed, rounded, and fan shaped bouquets

Casual, open designs were popular

Neoclassic Style Covered two time periods

Federal Period 1790 - 1825 Greek Period 1825 - 1845

Designs were typically broken from English tradition and were influenced by the French

Roses, geraniums, and trailing ivy were popular plant materials

American Victorian: 1845 - 1900

Also called the Romantic era Designs copied European Victorian

styles Epergnes were popular containers

Modern Styles of Floral Design

Art Nouveau Art Deco

Free Form Expression Geometric Mass Design

Art Nouveau Period: 1890 - 1910

Style was based on curvilinear lines and often patterned after nature in the shape of plants or flowers

Containers were curving and asymmetrical

Art Deco Period: 1920’s & 30’s Blending of influences including

ancient Egyptian, Jazz age, and industrial age

Characterized by strong geometric lines and patterns

The style reemerged in the 1960’s Corsages became poplular

Free Form Expression: 1950’s Arrangements were more

expressive with feeling of movement and freedom

Textural differences between design materials were emphasized

Geometric Mass Design: 1960’s & 70’s

Tight, geometric bouquets were common

Arrangements combined mass and line into stiff patterns

Compote containers were commonly used

Modern American American floral arrangements are

the result of the designer’s individual expression

This requires a creative mind and a thorough knowledge of design elements, principle, and construction techniques

Review What are some types of flowers and

foliage common to all periods of floral design?

Why is it important to study the history of floral design?

What are some reasons for changing design styles across time?

How did European traditions influence American design?

Floral Tools & Safety!

Floral Tools- http://youtu.be/-qLvFmHCCbo

Floral Knife Safety When using a floral knife never

hold by the blade when using Cut away from you When handing it to someone point

the handle to them (not the blade) DO NOT USE to cut wire or plastic!

Floral & Tape ONLY!

Snips Safety Wear protective eyewear when

cutting wire or tough stems Watch out for pinched fingers Latch closed when not in use Keep sharp- dull snips will make

sharp cuts in wire & cut off water flow on stems

Floral Adhesive Safety Strong odor- keep away from eyes,

nose, and mouth

Water Tube Safety Watch for wires when putting

stems into water tubes

Leaf Shine/Paint Safety Use in well ventilated area Spray away from yourself & others Do not inhale Let a teacher know if it gets in

your eyes or mouth

Wire Safety Wire is extremely fine and sharp-

watch for finger pricks Use protective eyewear when

cutting

Container Safety If you break a glass container, let a

teacher know immediately Do not pick up glass yourself Glass should not be placed in the trash-

use glass disposal bin Use both hands when carrying all

containers Notify a teacher of water spills on the floor

Hot Glue Gun Safety Only put “hot” glue gun down on

protective surfaces Watch out for exposed skin before

& after applying hot glue Report to a teacher if you have a

burn