History

Pressed flower art became popular in Victorian times. The Japanese use pressed plants and colorful papers to create Oshibana Art. With a creative approach to the use of materials, a leaf becomes a tree and petals form mountains. With meticulous attention to detail each leaf and flower is glued onto a precise location.

Preserving flowers dates back to earliest recorded history. The bones of a pre historic man discovered in the Middle East was found with a mantle of delicate wild flowers. The pollen grains that remain indicated specific flowers that were used.

During ancient times people used to freshen or liven their rooms with fresh sweet smelling flowers. The art of extracting oil to create perfumes was acquired later. These attars are in great demand today, extracted from various oils and mixed with others to get wonderful smelling perfumes. These attars are made from some aromatic flowers.

In the sixteenth century when the Elizabethan Age was coming to a close, the ruff was replaced by soft lacy collars and low cut necklines became the trend, bosom flowers became popular with their sensual connotations. These days flowers are dried and are versatile in their use. They supply us with food, medicines, ornaments, and adornment. Flowers became essential to a fashionable appearance. Each civilization developed their own interpretation of flowers.

Japanese Civilization
For centuries, the Japanese have given special attention to the flowers and plants around them, honoring the earth source that connects all living things. But the Japanese went even further. They created Oshibana, the art and craft of pressing flowers to retain the benefits and beauty of the living plant. Such pressings are called "pressed flower art." Over the centuries, enthusiasm for this craft has spread from Japan to Victorian England, through Europe, and now, to the United States.

Today, Oshibana offers us even more than simply retaining the beauty and grace of living flowers. By working with pressed flowers to create enduring designs, we are stimulating the memory of our connection to nature. And when this occurs, the benefits are impressive.

Egyptian Civilization
Herb fragrances have long been valued to mask unpleasant odors, lift the spirits, evoke memories, freshen the air, and scent cosmetics, perfumes, and household products. In fact, the use of perfume dates back to ancient Egypt where it enhanced royal and religious ceremonies. Ancient Egyptians preserved elaborate garlands and made detailed preparations using grains and herbs for their dead to enjoy in the next world. Medieval monks harvested and dried flowers and herbs for medicinal purposes. Victorian ladies considered floral garlands to glass dome and designed clever pictures using dismembered cones, lavender, barley and ribbons. The interest in dried flowers comes in waves bringing all the old applications and techniques along with fresh inspirations and ideas. Today, dried flowers are long lasting, tolerant of most temperatures and offer a wide range of subtle and striking colors.