Pair of Lotus Ikebana bowls

• Pair of Ikebana bowls in green patina bronze, decorated with leaves and lotus flowers, each adorned with a small frog.
• Japan, Meji period (1867-1912)
• Provenance: Claude de Marteau
• Sold with certificate of origin.
• Identical pair to those previously sold (except for patina)

Dimensions:

• Large bowl H 13 cm x Diameter 20 cm, weight 1107 grams
• Small bowl H 8 cm diameter 18 cm, weight 476 grams

The Japanese art of ikebana originated in Buddhist temples and is closely linked to Zen philosophy.

The art of flower arranging, these bowls are often wide and shallow, designed to hold water and hold flowers in place with supports called kenzan. They can be made of ceramic, metal, glass or woven baskets, and play an essential role in enhancing floral arrangements by providing a stable, aesthetically pleasing base.

The main compositional rules of ikebana are silence, asymmetry and structure and its arrangements are represented by three fundamental elements: Shin, Soe and Hikae.

The Shin represents the highest, most prominent part, symbolizing heaven or the spiritual realm.

The Soe serves as a secondary element, representing humanity and linking the Shin and the Hikae.

Hikae is the lowest and smallest element, symbolizing the earthly, physical realm.