The Art of Serenity — The Korin-ka Style Arrangement
In the world of Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, each school has its own way of expressing harmony and beauty. Among them, the Korin-ka style stands out — a poetic and graceful form inspired by the classical Japanese paintings of the Edo period.
At April Flora, we celebrate the quiet elegance of this art form, where every curve, stem, and bloom becomes a brushstroke in a living painting.
What Is Korin-ka?
The Korin-ka style originated under the influence of Ogata Korin, a renowned Japanese artist from the 17th century. His paintings of plum blossoms and pine trees on gold backgrounds inspired a new aesthetic — one that values rhythm, simplicity, and the natural flow of forms.
In Korin-ka arrangements, flowers are not merely placed; they are composed like a painting — graceful, asymmetrical, and full of movement, yet profoundly still.
Key Characteristics of the Korin-ka Style
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Simplicity and Freedom
Unlike more formal Ikebana schools, Korin-ka encourages the arranger to follow emotion and intuition rather than strict rules. Each creation is a reflection of personal feeling and natural beauty. -
Balance of Line and Space
The negative space — the air between stems and petals — is just as important as the flowers themselves. It creates a sense of calm and breathing room within the arrangement. -
Inspired by Nature and Art
Every Korin-ka piece feels like a landscape — a breeze through grass, a branch reaching toward the sun, a fleeting moment captured in stillness. -
Soft, Harmonious Colors
The style favors gentle hues such as white, cream, pale pink, and soft green, often paired with simple ceramic or earthen vases in natural tones to evoke tranquility.
Flowers Commonly Used in Korin-ka
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Lisianthus
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Lilies
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Delphiniums
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Eucalyptus branches
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Cherry blossoms or wildflowers
At April Flora, we adapt this timeless style using flowers available in Thailand — such as white hydrangeas, soft pink lilies, nude roses, and eucalyptus leaves — blending the serenity of Japanese minimalism with a touch of modern warmth.
Korin-ka: Beauty Beyond Time
A Korin-ka arrangement is more than decoration — it’s an experience of mindfulness.
It teaches us to appreciate the beauty of simplicity and to find peace in the natural rhythm of each petal and leaf.
Every arrangement whispers, rather than shouts. It doesn’t seek attention — it invites contemplation.
Experience the Serenity of Korin-ka with April Flora
Let April Flora bring the quiet elegance of Korin-ka into your home.
Each vase is thoughtfully composed to express emotion, balance, and beauty — turning every bloom into a moment of calm.
Because true beauty, like nature, is found in simplicity.