1. Chapter 2

2. Principles of Design

3. I. History of Floral Design
A. Flower arranging is a work of art.

4. We follow certain guidelines
to properly arrange flowers so that they become a “work of art”. These guidelines are called principles of design.

5. Basic laws
fundamentals, truths or methods of operation that have been tested and proven for many centuries.

6. Arrangements are judged by these principles.
Tools that will guide in planning and evaluating arrangements.

7. 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

8. Oriental Style
began in China
later explored by the Japanese

9. Egyptian Period BC
arranged separate rows of different colored flowers in shallow bowls

10. Egyptian period
feast tables were often decorated with fruits and vegetables neatly piled in low baskets

11. Egyptian Period
several flowers were considered sacred, symbolizing Egyptian Gods and Goddesses
Lotus and Water Lillies were placed in elaborate vases, bowls and jars

12. Ancient Greeks BC
Did not arrange flowers in vases, scattered blossoms on tables and on the streets

13. Ancient Greeks
flowers were used to make garland and wreaths worn during special occasions.
Presented as awards to athletes, statesmen and soldiers.

14. Ancient Greeks
the cornucopia (horn or plenty) was filled with fruits and vegetables and placed in an upright position rather than on its side as done today

15. Romans 28 BC - 325 AD continued the customs of the Greeks
arrangements and usage became more elaborate

16. Romans scatter roses on banquet tables and on the floor
scarves filled with blossoms were offered at an altar in Roman Religious Ceremonies

17. Romans
Wreaths and Garlands became more elaborate

18. Byzantine Period 320-600 AD arrangements of cut flowers used again
formal conical designs with clusters of blossoms at regular intervals

19. Middle Ages AD
very little is known about floral designs of this time period

20. Renaissance 1400-1600 AD beautifully documented in paintings
designs were large, tall, pyramidal, and symmetrically balanced

21. Renaissance flower arrangements were loose, un-crowded and airy
formal bouquets featured the most important flower situated centrally, at the top of the bouquet, with other flower heads turned outward.

22. Renaissance
flowers 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

23. Renaissance
several traditional floral designs of today are styled after renaissance arrangements

24. Baroque Period began as symmetrical, oval shaped designs
asymmetrical curves in the shape of a crescent or an “s” were adopted later

25. Baroque an abundance of flower types and colors were used together
arrangements incorporated a variety of accessories such as figurines and butterflies

26. Baroque
the “s” curve and crescent arrangements developed during this period are popular today

27. Flemish-style 1600-1750 AD beautifully captured by Dutch painters
traditional baroque styles were refined

28. Flemish style refined - not as loose and open
better proportioned and more compact
Rich colors and an array of flowers were combined into masses, oval shape bouquets.

29. Flemish style
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.

30. Georgian period
A.D.
Time period that spanned the reigns of the English kings George I and George II
Arrangements were greatly influenced by Chinese arts.

31. Georgian period Usually symmetrical and triangularly shaped.
Many featured a single flower type.
Designs moved away from formality and symmetry in the late part of the period.

32. Georgian period nosegay, or handheld bouquet became stylish
small nosegay bouquets placed in bowls were the first use of table centerpieces as we know them today.

33. Georgian period
Georgian 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.

34. Georgian period
boxwood, 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.

35. Victorian period
A.D.
Flowers were fashionable but designs were rather unappealing.
Improperly proportioned

36. Victorian period
large amounts of flowers cramped into a container to create a compact arrangement
usually asymmetrical with no focal point.

37. Victorian period
many different flower types and colors used, arrangements looked unplanned.
Rules for flower arranging were established toward the end of the Victorian period.

38. Oriental Style
Began in India where Buddist priests scattered branches and stem on altar or placed them in pottery urns.
Modified by the Chinese during the first century A.D.

39. Oriental Style Arranged flowers in massive bronze vessels
Felt it was improper to place flowers carelessly on the altar.
Created symbolic arrangements
Bright colors were favored.

40. Oriental Style
Usually 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.

41. Oriental Style
Sixth Century A.D. Japanese adopted many aspects of the Chinese culture, including floral arrangement.
Japanese priest named Ikenabo refined the art.

42. Oriental Style His instruction was sought by other Buddhist priests.
Began the first school of floral art in Japan which bears his name.

43. Oriental Style
Name later changed to Ikebana which means “giving life to the flowers.”

44. Oriental Style
Many schools of Japanese flower arrangements have evolved from this original one, the basic principles can be traced back to Ikenaba.

45. Oriental Style
Japanese designs are characterized by minimum use of plant material and careful placement of branches and flowers.
Each placement and angle has meaning.

46. Oriental Style
This type of arrangement became known as “line arrangement”

47. European Style generally large, round or oval mass of flowers
flower placement is not rigidly dictated as in oriental design

48. European Style known as mass arrangements
most floral designs in the US are referred to as “line mass” and combine Oriental and European ideas

49. European Style
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.