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Ikebana means ` bringing flowers to life`. The word for flower container is kaki in Japanese.

In sixth century Japan, when Ikebana originated as a part of Buddhist ceremonies, flowers were arranged in ikebana vases to point towards heaven as a sign of faith.

The design of ikebana vases, just like ikebana itself, stresses simplicity.

The vases can inspire different ikebana creations, when the artist imagines the flowers they will use in the arrangement as they would appear when framed by the vase.

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Many different styles and colors of Japanese ikebana vases are available.

The color and shape of the vase used to frame the flowers is as much a part of the design as the flowers themselves.

Vases made in the following styles are available all over the world. Some are especially suited for freestyle designs:

Tubular vases

Goblet shaped vases

Bowls

Full moon vases

Rectangular vases

Elliptical open top vases

Crescent moon vases

Double mouth designs

Tall vases

Ovular polygons

Compote

Hollow squares

Asymmetrical vases

Basket vases

Contemporary gourd vases

Ceramic bamboo logs

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Vases from Tokoname and Shigaraki tend to be more expensive.

Shigaraki ware is made in the Shigaraki area of Japan. Shigaraki has one of the six oldest kilns in Japan. Shigaraki is also famous for its ceramic raccoon dogs.

Tokoname is in the Aichi prefecture in Japan and is an area famous for its pottery and potters.

It has some of Japan’s oldest kilns.

The red color in which results form the iron in the clay is a distinctive feature of pottery from Tokoname.