A Student of Ikenobo: 2009

Moribana

Officially Moribana is no longer a style connected to Ikenobo as it is a 19th century development within another school. The reason why it is mentioned here is that it is still being taught to beginners to initiate them in aspects such as composition, lines, proportions and combinations of flower or plant materials. Moribana (litt. "piled up flowers") consists of 2-4 materials arranged on a frogpin (Kenzan) in a bowl shaped container. The main lines (Yakueda) are Shin, Soe and Tai, which follow an upright position (Chokutai), a slanting position (Shatai) or a hanging fashion (Suitai).

Christmas 2010

Autumn 2010

01 05 2012

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Nageire

Nageire , just as Moribana is no longer considered a pure Ikenobo style.
Its real value (except in the study of lines and proportions) is in the use of stilts and Hana kubari which is a preparation of the use of Matagi and Tomegi in Shoka ( see later).

Nageire (litt. “thrown flowers “) has the same Yakueda as Moribana but flowers and branches, arranged in tall vases, are supported by ‘stilts’ and/or branches that divide the vase opening (Hana kubari) so that part of the vase opening remains empty. Chokutai, Shatai or Suitai styles are possible.

october 2012

Large Nageire for buddhist symposium 11 11 2012

Jiyuka

In Jiyuka ( free style) nearly everything is possible but the emphasis is on expression with regard to seasons, special occasions , creative ideas. Artificial materials can be used to support expression but they remain secondary. The link with Japanese aesthetics remains strong and there is a continuous search for an Ikenobo identity, even in free style.

'Tapistry' : 03 03 2012

Workshop 21 01 2012: ' On a journey together'

07 01 2012

28 10 2011

september 2011 - ' Bali-hai'

25-08-2011

Autumn 2010

Autumn 2010

'Circle of Life' 23-01-10

04 06 2011: Mini Jiyuka : " Wanna Samba ?"

04 06 2011: Mini Jiyuka: " Clair-obscur"

27 04 2012

Bathroom focus: 11 07 2012

December 2012 : Exercise with 2 Uchiwa (Japanese fans)

New Year 2013: Arrangement with 2 Uchiwa

March 2013: Go away winter

Summer 2013

27 08 2013: 'Time trapped'

18 09 2013

Shoka shofutai

Shoka shofutai has its roots in the 18th century. The 3 main lines (Shin, Soe and Tai) are supported by secondary branches or stems (Ashirai). It expresses the elegance of natural growth. Flowers and leaves are equally important. Severe regulations dictate the creation of a part of bare stems before these follow different directions (Mizugiwa). In addition it honours light and shadow parts of flowers and leaves and it suggests one main stem from which all the branches seem to depart. Vases are less or more wide mouthed according to a severe straight-up arrangement (Shin), a broader (Gyo) or very broad arrangement (So). Many fascinating special teachings exist in this style. I consider Shoka shofutai the heart of Ikenobo.

     08 09 2012: Nishu ike with Miscanthus and Eustoma

23 06 2012: Ishu ike with peonies

23 06 2012: Sanshu ike

13 02 2012: Ishu ike with tulips: not that easy!

13 02 2012: Ishu ike with Anthurium

20 01 2012: 9 Aspidistra leaves in Matagi

07 01 2012: Ishu ike with Amaryllis

28 10 2011: Ishu ike with Liriope

05 10 2011: Mukogake (matagi) with Morning Glory -first attempt

Flower gone to Nirvana just before finishing the arrangement

01 10 2011: Futa kabu ike (Autumn workshop)

26 08 2011: Henkagata Tsuki ( first trial)

31 08 2011: Nishu ike with bamboo and Chrysanthemum

06 08 2011: Sanshu ike

October 2010: Nishu ike with Nandina domestica

Demonstration Japan weekend at Shofukan Centre

     July 2010: Iris laevigata

Hosta marks beginning of summer

Gyo do ike

Sui Riku ike

Shoka with a Matagi (forked twig or split branch wedged in vase opening) and Tomegi (piece of stem to close off the space for arrangement) is a traditional technique and a very special challenge where patience is needed. It also gives a sense of great contentment.