If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to keep flowers fresh for longer, you may be interested in learning about other ways of preserving their beauty. Drying flowers is a tradition that is ages old. The technique of pressed flowers has a rich and varied history that reflects its use in different cultures and for different purposes over the centuries. Recently, there’s been a renaissance and folks are regaining interest in the ages old art. If you’re interested in learning the art of pressed flowers and learn of its origins, here’s a brief overview of its evolution:
Ancient and Medieval Periods
When you take a closer look at ancient cultures, you’ll find that there was a lot more going on than modern societies give them credit for. It may be difficult to believe, but the art of pressing flowers can be traced back to ancient civilizations. In ancient Egypt, pressed plants were used in herbal medicine and as part of funerary rites. The Greeks and Romans also practiced the art, though their methods were less documented. During the medieval period, pressed flowers were often used in manuscripts and herbal books. They served both decorative and practical purposes, such as in medieval herbals where plants were pressed to study their medicinal properties.
16th and 17th Centuries
The Renaissance period saw a rise in botanical interest, and pressed flowers began to be used more systematically. Botanists like Leonhart Fuchs used pressed plants to document plant species and create herbal remedies. The practice of pressing plants became more refined as scientific interest in botany grew. And in the 17th century, the use of pressed flowers in art and science continued, and botanical illustrators began to use them to create detailed records of plant species. This period also saw the emergence of botanical gardens and the scientific study of plants, which led to discovering more uses for plants and more.
18th and 19th Centuries
During the 18th century, the practice of pressing flowers became popular among amateur botanists and naturalists. Flower pressing was often used to preserve plant specimens and create personal herbarium collections. It was evolving into a hobby or a pastime at this point. The Victorian era in the 19th century brought a surge in popularity for pressed flowers in decorative arts. People used pressed flowers to create artwork, keepsakes, and crafts. This period also saw the development of more sophisticated pressing techniques and tools like the professional field press.
20th Century
As the world moved into the Industrial Revolution, pressed flower art continued to be popular, and new methods and materials were introduced. Flower pressing became more accessible to hobbyists with the availability of craft supplies and instructional books. The art of pressed flowers saw a resurgence as part of the craft movement during the mid to late 20th century. Artists and crafters explored innovative ways to use pressed flowers in home decor, greeting cards, and other crafts. Some of those innovative ways included arranging them in picture frames and preserving them in resin.
21st Century
Today, dried flowers are back in style! In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a lifestyle editorial between Berlin and San Francisco that’s not featuring dried plants. Pressed flowers are used in a variety of ways, from traditional art and crafts to modern design and eco-friendly packaging. In pieces of art, you’ll find dried flowers showcased in levitating clouds, hoops, wreaths and loops. The art of pressing flowers is embraced by artists, designers, and hobbyists who appreciate the natural beauty and historical significance of pressed flowers and the simple beauty of botanical materials. Advances in technology have led to the development of new methods for preserving and displaying pressed flowers. Digital tools allow for the creation of high-resolution images and designs featuring pressed flora.
Current Uses of Pressed Flowers
- Art and Craft:
○ Artwork: Pressed flowers are used to create intricate designs and artworks, including framed pieces, collages, and mixed-media compositions.
○ Greeting Cards: Artists and crafters use pressed flowers to decorate handmade cards, making them unique and personal.
○ Home Decor: Pressed flowers are incorporated into items such as framed art, bookmarks, coasters, and decorative panels.
- Jewelry and Accessories:
○ Jewelry: Pressed flowers are embedded in resin to create pendants, earrings, and rings, allowing the beauty of the flowers to be worn and appreciated.
○ Accessories: They are used in items like keychains, phone cases, and hairpins.
- Craft and Educational Projects:
○ Educational Use: Pressed flowers are utilized in educational settings for teaching botany, art, and design.
○ Crafts: Hobbyists use them in scrapbooking, journaling, and other creative projects.
- Decorative Elements:
○ Stationery: Pressed flowers are featured on notebooks, journals, and envelopes, adding a natural and artistic touch.
○ Packaging: They are used in gift wrapping and packaging for a personalized and elegant look.
Historical Uses Across Cultures
- Ancient Egypt:
○ Pressed flowers were used in funerary practices and as part of herbal medicine. They were sometimes included in tombs and mummification processes.
- Ancient Greece and Rome:
○ Flowers were pressed for medicinal and educational purposes. Herbal remedies and botanical manuscripts included pressed plant specimens for reference.
- Medieval Europe:
○ Pressed plants were featured in medieval herbals and manuscripts for their medicinal properties. They were also used in religious and devotional contexts.
- Renaissance Europe:
○ Botanists and herbalists like Leonhart Fuchs used pressed plants to document and study plant species. Pressed flowers were also used in botanical illustrations.
- Victorian Era:
○ The practice of pressing flowers became popular for decorative purposes. Pressed flowers were used in framed art, bookmarks, and as part of sentimental keepsakes.
- Japanese Culture:
○ In Japan, the art of pressing flowers is known as “Oshibana.” Pressed flowers have been used in traditional arts and crafts, such as in the creation of beautiful paper designs and decor.
Throughout history, pressed flowers have evolved from a practical method of preserving plant specimens to an art form and craft. The art of pressing flowers reflects both scientific inquiry and artistic expression, showcasing the timeless beauty of nature. Now that you’ve taken a journey through time and the iterations of pressed flowers, it’s time to start experimenting for yourself.
