Overview
Tatehana ("standing flowers"), also called tatebana, was one of the earliest forms of ikebana (546-1300) and used as a simple flower offering to Buddha. Since there were no records documenting rules for flower arranging until the late 15th century, the only depictions of tatehana forms are found in maki-e (picture scrolls), embroideries, illustrated sutras, and poems. These simple offerings later evolved into highly stylized arrangements known as rikka.
Shinto ("the way of the gods") is Japan's major religion alongside Buddhism. Shinto gods, called kami, are sacred spirits found in nature in the form of wind, rain, trees, rivers, and mountains. In a demonstration of respect for these elements, tatehana was arranged to symbolize praying to them.
Elements
- There was a center pine branch called moto-ki, considered the object of prayers,
- with flowers at the bottom of the arrangement, shito-kusa. A seasonal material was added.
Wire can be used to bend stems but was not originally used.
- Containers were usually bamboo but small ceramic and bronze vases can be used. Tatehana is traditionally arranged in a container 6-8" tall, with a thin neck.