Kokedama, a Japanese Art
Born 30 years ago, Kokedama has its origin in the Japanese bonsai. Ne-arai, one of the bonsai methods, gave rise to the idea of creating the new style. This explains why Kokedama are sometimes called Koke-bonsai – as one of the kinds of bonsai.
Ne-arai literally means “to wash root”. Removing a plant from a pot where it became root-bound, Ne-Arai is a technique that brings back its vitality to the plant, expresses the beauty of its roots or displays the plant on a plate, the roots covered with moss. The bonsai was first grown in a pot until it was root bound. The bonsai was so tightly packed in that the root and soil maintained the shape once it was removed from the pot. Kokedama takes the planter-less bonsai method a step further and covers the root base with moss.
Literally translated, ‘koke’ means moss and ‘dama’ means
ball. The original Japanese form of kokedama had miniature sculptured bonsai trees displayed on handmade pottery or pieces of driftwood. They encapsulated the Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-sabi, an appreciation of the imperfections of nature and the transience of natural beauty. The characteristics of Wabi-sabi include simplicity, warmth, earthyness, irregularity, roughness, naturality, acceptance and observation. Kokedamas are created as a reflection of the Wabi-sabi principles.
Japanese Kokedama are usually created with green moss, which also decorates bonsai. Moss is enjoyed for its subtlety rather than outstanding display. In the Japanese language of flowers, moss represents maternal love and charity.
An alternate to green moss is sphagnum moss that is more appropriate in warmer and drier countries like Australia.
Today’s Kokedama have evolved into the string bound orbs, spheres or balls we see in home and corporate decor.
Kokedama, more than a trend, a lifestyle
Rapidly spread out by concept stores across the globe, kokedamas are now adopted in interior design: the sculptural art form is a way to embellish interiors for individuals as well as corporate. The spherical shape of the Kokedama highlights the natural and graphical style of the plant which creates peacefulness and a Zen spirit.
Kokedama are versatile and can either hang indoors or outdoors, be placed in a bowl, or displayed on a decorative plate or slate. They are a stylish alternative to the way we displayed indoor pot plants in the past.
Kokedama is has an approach to nature that is more sustainable – removing the pot means less plastic, so less waste. Also, they are space savers as you can string them up and hang them, a great way to bring green life indoor in small spaces. At Twined, we are committed to sustainability – the plants that we source from local horticulturists come in plastic pots, that we collect and return – they will be reused.
A wide variety of plants can be used in the making
of Kokedamas – from the water-wise and lovely succulents to the evergreen tropical plants, you’re sure to find a kokedama suitable for your taste, your indoor or outdoor location, climate and lifestyle. Group them to make a fantastic display or use a single one as a focus point.
Today Kokedamas are one of the biggest movements in indoor plants. They are easy to care for and look impressive. More than an interior design craze, kokedama have become a lifestyle – they are a lovely and natural way to bring the outdoors into your home. At Twined, we call these living sculptures Art by Nature!