Rikka (flower)

Rikka (立花 standing flowers?) is a type of ritual flower offering practiced by Japanese Buddhists. It first appeared in the 15th century. The rikka style reflects the magnificence of nature and its display. For example, pine branches symbolize rocks and stones, and white chrysanthemums symbolize a river or small stream. The rikka style originated with the Ikenobo style of Ikebana developed by the Senkei school in Kyoto in the late 15th century. It enjoyed a revival in the 17th century, and was used as a decorative technique for ceremonial and festive occasions, though today it is regarded as an antiquated form of flower arrangement and is less frequently practiced.

See also