Ohara Unshin

Founder of the Ohara school of ikebana. His given name was Fusagoro and he also wrote Rokugoken. Born in Matsue (Shimane Prefecture), he aspired to be a sculptor, but due to poor health he took up ikebana as a side skill. He studied Ikenobo, but was not satisfied with the old-fashioned style. Taking note of the introduction of Western flowers and changes in lifestyle after the Russo-Japanese War, he invented arranging flowers in a water basin, and in 1912 (Meiji 45) he became independent under the name Kokufu-shiki moribana, paving the way for modern ikebana. This breathed fresh air into the world of ikebana in the early Taisho period, and also played a major role in setting the direction for the creation of free flower arrangements.

[Hojo Akinao]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

いけ花流派小原流の創始者。名は房五郎、六合軒と号す。松江（島根県）に生まれ、彫刻家を志したが、病弱から余技のいけ花に進んだ。池坊(いけのぼう)を学んだが、その旧態に満足せず、日露戦争後の洋花の移入と生活様式の変化に着目、水盤による盛り花を考案し、1912年（明治45）、国風式(こくふうしき)盛り花の名称をもって独立し、近代いけ花への道を開いた。これは、大正初期のいけ花界に新風を吹き込むものであったと同時に、自由花を生む方向づけに、大きな役割を果たしている。

［北條明直］

出典　小学館　日本大百科全書(ニッポニカ)日本大百科全書(ニッポニカ)について　情報 | 凡例