read. ikebana (living flowers) or
read. kadō (way of flowers) is the Japanese art of flower arrangement.

History
In the sixth century Buddhism entered Japan, since then flowers were used to decorate temples and altars. Many years later, in year 1462, aristocracy was so delighted by flower arrangement crated by Ikenobō Senkei (Buddhist monk from Rokkakudo temple in Kyoto) that they started to use Ikebana in their palaces.
Compositions made of pine branches and grassy flowers were big and very expensive.

Big modern-day ikebana:


In first few years of the seventeenth century a new Ikebana style was created – composition became smaller and thanks to that less expensive. At the same time, a philosophical background was created: compositions had to represent reletions between Heaven, Earth and Human (tenchijin).

Traditional styles

• Rikka (standing flowers). First created style (Ikenobō Senkei's style). Developed as a Buddhist expression of the beauty of nature, with seven branches representing mountains, waterfalls and valleys. Monumental, aristocratic, official and very formalized style.


• Nageire or nageire-bana (throw-in flowers). More relaxed and delicate composition.
  
  
  In the origins of the style, flowers were throw in to the vases.


• Moribana (piled-up flowers). Composition in a shallow, flat container created with use of Western plants.




• Shoka. Created in the 18th century. Simple, asymmetrical, characterized by triangular three-branched structure. Similiar to Rikka style but less formalized.

Each of the above styles is divided into three categories: formal style, semi-formal, and free style.



Ikebana Schools
Most popular schools with long traditions:
Ikenobō (created Rikka style)
Ohara (created Moribana style)
Sogetsu (less formalized)


I could write more about the school and bore you all to death It will be better if you just look at the flowers.