BBC Compacta Class 8 Solutions - Classroom Assignment- 5

IKEBANA

Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. The

term 'Ikebana' comes from two Japanese words — 'Ike',

meaning 'to live' and 'banal, meaning 'flowers'.

The flowers are used in odd numbers and placed in an

asymmetrical triangle. The length of the flowers in the

arrangement is proportionate to the vase. Three main

lengths are used to signify man, earth and heaven. The

angle at which each flower is placed is different to

provide rhythm and movement to the arrangement.

Once the basic techniques are mastered, one is free to

express oneself using plant materials like branches,

barks, leaves, grass, moss, flowers, fruits or even seeds.

The arrangement can be made on a platter, a vase, a cup,

a wine glass or on anything that catches one's fancy.

What makes Ikebana different from other flower

arrangements is its asymmetrical composition, the use

of 'empty' space and lack of clutter. 'Less' is regarded as

'plenty'. One can create a beautiful arrangement with

just one flower.

Ikebana brings one close to nature. One gets to know the

feel and texture of various flowers and the seasons when they are in bloom. The art instils patience and discipline and is a good stress buster, especially when one is bogged down by homework and studies. It teaches one to be in the present, and as the arrangement does not last long, one learns not to become attached to things. Last but not the least, when one realizes that one can create a good Ikebana arrangement with only a few flowers, one understands that it is possible to have a good life with only a few possessions. Source: The Hindu

Q1:  On the basis of your reading of the passage, complete the following statements by filling in each blank with not more than three words. 

(a) 'Ikebana' is an art of 

Ans:   'Ikebana' is an art of flower arrangement.

(b) 'Ike' and 'bana' in Japanese respectively mean ................................ and ................................ . 

Ans:  'Ike' and 'bana' in Japanese respectively mean to live and flowers.

(c) The main features of an Ikebana arrangement are: (i) ......................................................................................... of flowers are used (ii) .......................................................................................... is at uneven triangles (iii) ................................................................................................. is proportionate to the vase (iv) Three different lengths signify-man, ............................................................................... . (v) Different angle of each flower provides ............................................... to the arrangement 

Ans:  The main features of an Ikebana arrangement are:

(i) Odd numbers of flowers are used

(ii) The arrangement is at uneven triangles

(iii) Size is proportionate to the vase

(iv) Three different lengths signify man, earth, and heaven

(v) Different angle of each flower provides rhythm and movement to the arrangement

(d) Two ways in which Ikebana is different from other flower arrangements are: ......................................(i) ...............................(ii) 

Ans: Two ways in which Ikebana is different from other flower arrangements are:

(i) Asymmetrical composition, and use of 'empty' space and lack of clutter.

(ii) Simplicity and naturalness, with sometimes only one flower used.

(e) Some values or lessons that the art of lkebana teaches are: (i) (ii) (iii) Closeness to .................................. . (iv) Living in the .................................................. . (v) Detachment (vi) Living with only a few ................................... .

Ans:   Some values or lessons that the art of Ikebana teaches are:

(i) Closeness to nature

(ii) Living in the present

(iii) Detachment

(iv) Living with only a few possessions

Q2:  Answer the following questions in about 30-40 words each. 

(a) Is Ikebana restricted to flowers only? Why/Why not? ....................................................................

Ans:    No, Ikebana is not restricted to flowers only. It can include a variety of plant materials such as branches, leaves, grass, moss, and even fruits or seeds.

(b) How can you say that the art of Ikebana believes in simplicity?

Ans: Ikebana believes in simplicity as it often uses fewer elements, emphasizing asymmetry, space, and the beauty of understated elegance, which can be seen in arrangements with even a single flower.

(c) In what ways does Ikebana bring one close to nature?

Ans:  Ikebana brings one close to nature by engaging with the natural beauty of plants, understanding seasonal changes, and promoting a mindful appreciation of the simple realities of life.

Q3:  Which of the following images DOES NOT show Ikebana flower arrangement? 

Ans: (iii) Option 3, as Ikebana is characterized by asymmetry and the use of space, and this option shows a more traditional, symmetric arrangement.

Q4: If something 'catches your fancy', you do not find it

(i) interesting

(ii) appealing

(iii) unattractive

(iv) pleasing

Ans:  (iii) unattractive

Q5:  Tick (V) the option that CANNOT replace the expression 'bogged down ' used in paragraph 5

of the passage.

(i) slowed down

(ii) burdened

(iii) stuck

(iv) busy

Ans: (iii) stuck

Q6: Do you think the Japanese art of Ikebana is worth learning and practicing? Say 'Yes' or 'No'. Give reasons, using examples from the text to support your opinion.

Ans: Yes, learning Ikebana is worth practicing because it is a mindful exercise that helps one appreciate nature, encourages living in the present, and teaches the value of simplicity and detachment.