Design inspired by vase

Letting the Vessel Speak First

Let the Vase Inspire the Design

For example

Flowers used

   In ikebana, the vase plays an important role in the overall design. It’s not just a container—it can be a key design element that quietly shapes the entire expression.

There are many possible sources of inspiration: the materials, the season, an emotion, or a specific theme. Among these, one particularly thoughtful approach is to begin with the vase itself and allow its presence to guide the creation.

To create a design that brings out the best in the vase, start by observing it carefully. Just as we study flowers by sensing their overall impression, we can do the same with the vessel.

Some vases feel simple and natural. Others may have modern, geometric patterns. Some give an elegant, refined feeling, while others have a sculptural presence that makes them stand out as decorative objects on their own.

Once you’ve identified the overall mood or character, take a closer look at the details that contribute to that feeling

such as:

• Form – Is it tall, flat, round, square, geometric, or organic?

• Color – Does it feel warm, cool, soft, or striking?

• Texture – Smooth, rough, matte, or glossy?

• Movement – Does it suggest direction or flow, like a silent gesture?

By noticing these details, we begin to see the vase as more than just a container, it gently leads the design and helps shape how the whole creation comes together.

Let the Vase Inspire the Design

Once the overall impression of the vase and its individual characteristics are understood, the next step is to consider how those elements might be reflected in the design.

One may choose to express the overall feeling of the vase, or highlight a single defining feature. In either case, recognising which elements create the vase’s unique character becomes a key part of the creative process.

After determining the concept you want to express, you can echo that idea using plant materials. Repetition helps draw attention to a specific element, making the design feel intentional rather than accidental. It also adds a sense of harmony.

For example: When using flax leaves, if the vase has a geometric form, it may be more effective to keep the leaves whole—emphasizing strong lines or clear patterns—rather than using fine, grass-like materials. On the other hand, if the vase gives a more natural or rustic impression, the same flax leaves can be shredded to resemble soft, wispy grasses. This creates a more random and natural effect that better matches the feeling of the vase.

However, repetition alone can sometimes result in a design that feels too uniform or flat. To avoid this, introduce one contrasting element. This not only adds visual interest but also helps emphasise the central concept—bringing greater depth, richness, and balance to the overall creation.

Letting the vase speak first invites us to design with greater awareness, turning each creation into a mindful conversation between form, material, and feeling—anchored by a strong sense of your own design identity.

  Flowers used : Flax leaf, Iris, Queen Ann's lace, Chrysanthemum