The true meaning of Ikebana--the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement--is to take a few beautiful flowers and plants and tastefully present them in very simple containers to enhance home decor. The 53 elegant arrangements featured in Japanese Ikebana for Every Season are perfect for special occasions--Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, birthday, anniversary--or any event that calls for a flower bouquet.

The key to good Ikebana arrangements is to understand a few very simple principles--like the idea of mitate, seeing old things with new eyes--and to learn a few easy...