My Ikebana: "Sculpting" With Straw

Added on January 11, 2013 by the ikebana shop.

Our backyard is entombed in snow and it was difficult to pick branches so I decided to use some dried susuki (Pampas grass) that a friend had given to me a while back. I had been saving them for a rainy day and I thought their time finally came. Not on a rainy day...but on a snowy one!

Because the stalks were very dry and brittle, many stems broke completely. It was a challenge to blend angled lines with the flower container.

I wanted to project this arrangement in 3-D. The lines were placed such that the viewer would be able to enjoy different expressions from many angles.

The alstroemeria, though more commonly used to create mass, were used to show movement this time.

The two colours--pink and orange--inserted on either side of the arrangement, helped to show depth.

I hope you like it.

Miyako

Welcome 2013 Year Of The Snake

Added on January 1, 2013 by the ikebana shop.

The nengajou is a New Year's postcard that is traditionally sent out in Japan on the first day of the year. It is the way Japanese express gratitude and maintain friendships.

Our Year-End Schedule 2012

Added on December 24, 2012 by the ikebana shop.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Our Year-End schedule is as follows:

Dec 24th 10AM - 5PM (shortened hours)
Dec 25th shop closed
Dec 26th shop closed
Dec 27th-29th open 10AM - 6PM
Dec 30th-Jan 2nd shop closed
Jan 3rd open 10AM - 6PM ....onwards, shop open per usual.

Kutani Pottery Yoshidaya Style

Added on December 20, 2012 by the ikebana shop.

When we saw this postage stamp, we thought: "Hey, this looks familiar!"

The stamp set commemorates traditional Japanese crafts and one of them shows Kutani pottery in the Yoshidaya style...and we happen to have one such vase in our shop! (And they are not easy to come by either!)

Pine, the evergreen tree, symbolizes longevity and health. The hawk, with its sharp talons and keen eyes, is quick to grasp good fortune.

The Yoshidaya style of Kutani pottery makes use of only four colours: blue, yellow, green and purple. If you look closely, the brown-looking colours of the pine branches and parts of the hawk are really a tinge of purple.

Yoshidaya pottery are stamped with fuku (福) in a double square block. (Fuku means "good luck".)

To see if this item is still available for purchase, click here.

My Christmas Ikebana

Added on December 13, 2012 by the ikebana shop.

Ikebana is not always limited to showing simple lines using branches. Sometime we want to work on something more resplendent...especially for festive seasons like Christmas. Here is my Christmas arrangement.

To take advantage of the lines formed by the eucalyptus and bells of Ireland, I chose a "compote-style" container with a very tall base.

The lilies provide gaiety.

The deep red alstroemeria tightens the arrangement into a whole.

And some white carnation provide a fresh look when the arrangement is viewed from the side.

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays!

Miyako

This arrangement is currently displayed at the shop. The scent of lilies and eucalyptus is yet another sensory experience so please come visit us!

Fukusa - Formal Gift Cover

Added on December 6, 2012 by the ikebana shop.

In old Japan, gift-giving was a ritual. A tradition of giving gifts covered with a finely embroidered square silk cloth became widespread during the Edo Period (1615-1867). This cloth is called fukusa. Formal gifts were often presented in a box with the fukusa draped over to conceal it. After being appropriately admired, the fukusa and box were returned to the giver whilst the gift was accepted. The choice of fukusa was important to reflect the formality of the occasion and the status of the gift-giver. Some fukusa have tassels so that they can be handled without touching the fabric.

If you've been to the shop lately, you would have seen a pair of fukusa adorning our walls! These days, they are rarely used (except maybe during weddings) but they can be beautiful additions to your home decor! The ones we have depict cranes and pine trees--auspicious symbols of longevity and good fortune.

Please drop by the shop and have a look!

(Note: The fukusa we describe above is different from the fukusa used in the tea ceremony.)

Free Postage Stamp Gift Tags

Added on December 4, 2012 by the ikebana shop.

All throughout the year, we get a lot of mail and packages from Japan sent through the post office. We get a lot of stamps too! We collect all of them and turn them into gift tags. They are complimentary to anyone who makes an in-store purchase in December (while supplies last!) No minimum purchase amount! Hope you like them!

Mail-order customers who would like some, please let us know and we'll put some in the box for you too!

My Ikebana - Holiday Mass & Line

Added on December 1, 2012 by the ikebana shop.

When making a mass-and-line composition, my usual habit is to start with the mass and then work on the lines to add a certain flow and movement. Mass is "easy" to tackle first because it is static...almost stoic and uncomplaining while a line is more hard-to-please!

Anyway, with this work, I started in reverse and formed the lines first. The beautiful dogwood branches had much to offer. The vase I had chosen turned out to be too small so I ended up using the outside of the vase. Do you see the "star" amidst the dogwood branches? That was not intended! I noticed it only while putting the branches together.

The vase, by the way, is not a traditional ikebana vase. It is actually a candleholder! I liked the shape and the clear crystal reminded me of ice (and the cold of winter!) It went well with the shiny green of the oregonia and the deep red of the carnations.

I hope you enjoy this arrangement.

Miyako