Ikebana

On Saturday I had the opportunity to learn Ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arranging. This is way more than just putting flowers into a vase! There are detailed patterns of varying skill level, each one adding complexity. This is an old art form that dates back to the 1400s.

Tomoko has been going to a class for several years (and it shows!) and asked her teacher if I could join in for one lesson. We traveled to her teacher’s house, a beautiful and pristine traditional Japanese house. The teacher had a special room dedicated to this class, a lot like a sun room.

I chose a simple pattern to follow and the teacher (with Tomoko translating) guided me through the steps of how to measure out the length of branches and stems, the proper way to cut the stems, placement of flowers at specific angles, and filling out the arrangement. You can see the book on the table showing the pattern I followed.

As stressful as it seemed at first, between having the language barrier and never arranging flowers before, I thought this was very relaxing activity. It demanded your whole attention and really focused your thoughts on the plants and the patterns they made.

The teacher was such a gracious host and even sent me home with copies of the patterns and instructions so that I can do it again. The photo below shows my completed arrangement, as well as Tomoko and her daughter Ana making their beautiful arrangements. Thank you, Tomoko, for introducing me to an awsome new hobby!