The contrast between dried and green material makes for an interesting arrangement! The dried leaves are hosta. The green ones are Solomon’s Seals. And you can see a bit of Dianthus Green Trick peeking from the back!
I hope you like it. —Miyako
My Ikebana: Backyard Weigela
The weigela growing in our backyard was in full bloom.
We thought we’d share some of its pretty branches in this simple arrangement at the shop!
I hope you like it. —Miyako
My Ikebana: Looping Lily Grass
Lily Grass wrapped around the container!
I hope you like it. —Miyako
My Ikebana: Apple Blossoms
The apple trees are blooming! Here is an arrangement with only apple branches.
I hope you like it. —Miyako
My Ikebana: Swaying In The Wind
Here is a simple arrangement that shows motion, as if the branches are being swayed by a strong gust of wind.
I hope you like it. —Miyako
Spring Blooms In Japan
Spring time is a wonderful time to be in Japan. Apart from the sakura, there are many more beautiful blooms coming out. Let us show you two places we visited this year.
The Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila) field at the Musashi Kyuryo Shinrin National Park (国営武蔵丘陵森林公園) or just “Shinrin Koen” as the locals would normally refer to it. Of course, the Nemophila field at the Hitachi Seaside Park (Ibaraki Prefecture) is bigger and more famous; but still, the one at Shinrin Koen is also a glorious sight!
The wisteria of Tamashiki Shrine (玉敷神社). The shrine was founded in 703. The wisteria dates back about 400 years!
The Ohara Ikebana Exhibition Apr-2024
The wonderful thing about being in Japan is that there are many ikebana-related events happening year-round.
We were fortunate to be in Tokyo when the Ohara Ikebana exhibition was happening at the Takashimaya Shinjuku department store (Apr 11-16, 2024).
Please enjoy some of the exquisite works at the exhibition!
My Ikebana: At Sogetsu HQ 15-Apr-2024
The next class I attended was under the direction of Sensei Fukushima Kouka. For this arrangement, I decided to keep the azalea branches long and flowing; so this arrangement focuses on showing lines. The sleek blades of grass provide a contrast and accent to the whole. I hope you like it.
(Sorry but I was not able to take photos of Fukushima-sensei’s demonstration!)
My Ikebana: At Sogetsu HQ 08-Apr-2024
My next class at Sogetsu HQ was under the direction of Sensei Ishikawa Misei. I worked with Japanese roses (yamabuki) and gloriosa lilies. In a conic container, I made the Japanese roses seem like they were playing together while the gloriosa lilies brought them all together in one unity. I hope you like it.
Ishikawa-sensei also made a demonstration using Japanese roses and red dogwood.
My Ikebana: At Sogetsu HQ 01-Apr-2024
It’s good to be back at Sogetsu Headquarters (Aoyama, Tokyo)!
There’s always lots of material to choose from.
I joined the class of Sensei Takagi Suisen and chose to work with the softstem bulrushes. This arrangement plays with straight lines. I hope you like it.
Takagi-sensei also made a demonstration of 2 arrangements. She was very inspiring!
