A Student of Ikenobo

Welcome!

2010-09-05T18:38:00.015+02:00

Renewed and updated 8 January 2012, new photos and text added!
Please scroll down for the new additions!

Welcome! Although I have been in love with flowers and plants all my life, it is only since five years that I have grown into an Ikenobo addict. This is rather a late start for someone who will be 65 this year, but my teacher Noriko van der Linden-Momose reassuringly tells me that one life is not enough to learn all about Ikenobo. I think I am very fortunate to have found such a good teacher.

I manage to sit down at home about once, sometimes twice a week to arrange flowers, but it is during Noriko's lessons I learn the most, especially from my mistakes. The lessons are given at the Shofukan Japan Centre in Rotterdam. This class consists of 8 ladies and 3 gentlemen. The ( longer lasting) Rikka lessons are given at Noriko's home during weekends.

As soon as you enter the Shofukan Centre, you feel inspired because a beautiful and genuine japanese garden welcomes visitors and the interior of the building (an old school) has partly been japanised. There are plenty of flowergrowers in the Netherlands and consequently material for flower arranging is abundant, varied and not too expensive.

Every year Shofukan hosts an Ikebana Ikenobo exhibition in September, see the website for dates.

I have only received my Kasho ( Teacher's assistant) diploma recently, but I am an enthusiastic student and eager to climb the Ikenobo ladder (gradually). I have experienced that the old Ikenobo publication: "An invitation to Ikenobo", is helpful but I realise that this study is all about practice and more practice and Noriko reminds me often that Ikenobo teachings change all the time reflecting life itself. This is exactly why I want to continue with Ikenobo Ikebana: it is deeply rooted in century old traditions but by no means static or old fashioned.

My passion for Ikenobo is certainly supported by my interest in Japanese aesthetics, (Zen) Buddhism and a long journey I made to Japan in 1978.

I will post photographs of various arrangements in the hope that it will motivate people to learn more about Ikenobo Ikebana and to promote an exchange of ideas, tips and tricks for those who already are as enthusiastic as me. Most of the arrangements were made under guidance of my teacher. However, some created at home were deemed good enough to post on this blog.

I will revise and update this blog quite often as some arrangements that were created in the past are judged differently now as I gain more experience.

Ikenobo exhibition at EKO-House of Japanese Culture in Dusseldorf, Germany on 18-19 June 2011.

Dusseldorf ,which has a substantial number of Japanese expats, is not far from the Dutch-German border. 150 years of friendship between Germany and Japan is celebrated in 2011 and the Dutch Ikenobo Chapter was honoured to be among the guests of EKO House. We were pleasantly surprised by the magnificent buildings and gardens and the quality of the arrangements.

After an opening ceremony with speeches by several officials, Headmaster Sen’ei Ikenobo gave a splendid and humorous demonstration, followed by professor Manabu Noda , who some of us were very pleased to see again! Finally a Shoka demonstration was given by the Ikenobo teacher attached to Eko-House, Kinoyu Watanabe.

It was a wonderful and inspiring day. We felt privileged to be present at these celebrations, all in beautiful Japanese surroundings. Thank you very much German Ikenobo Chapter and thank you EKO-House.

EKO-House, view from the garden: Temple and Bell tower

Stairs towards Temple

Miscanthus sinensis and rock

Demonstration by Headmaster Sen’ ei Ikenobo

One of the busy exhibition halls in the main building

Rembrandtesque and breathtaking : Rikka shimputai by Headmaster Sen’ ei Ikenobo…

Trip to Japan

2010-09-05T18:37:00.010+02:00

Edited 8 May 2011!

Our trip to Japan

Despite the catastrophe that had hit Northern Japan in March, most of the people of 'Ikenobo Holland Chapter' thought we would best support the Japanese people by sticking to our initial plan.

We gathered that life in Kyoto, even with the spring exhibition at Ikenobo Headquarters cancelled, would continue almost as normal. So, we went and we have never regretted our decision.

The weather was beautiful, the cherry blossom at its best and Kyoto, with less foreign visitors than usual, dignified and splendid. The workshop was exellent and professor Noda's guidance well appreciated. We enjoyed his very clear instructions and his 'down to earth' comments, but we also liked the results of our efforts. Most importantly, we learned a lot! Last but certainly not least, we all spent quite a lot of money at the Ikenobo shop and purchased (among others) some bronze vases whih were sent off by air- or sea mail.

Professor Noda explaining Shoka-Shofutai Ishu-ike with Japanese Iris

The workshop in progress

Shoka Shofutai with Kakitsubata

Rika Shofutai with Gedan Ozukai (Mae-oki and Nagashi)

Shoka Shofutai Nishu-ike

Freestyle (Jiyuka): Holland greets Japan

We had a very pleasant meeting with Yuki Ikenobo and a few days later we met Senei Ikenobo himself. As there was obviously less activity than normal at the Headquarters, we were allowed a visit to the beautiful Dojo and the Ikenobo museum and we met some of the other professors and we were able to admire their work. Sleeping in the Ikenobo dormitory was partiularly quiet and pleasant. Each time we stepped out of the dormitory hall and into the Rokka-kudo square with its temple visitors, workers and cleaners and flocks of pigeons, was an unforgettable experience.

Meeting with Senei Ikenobo

Meeting with Yuki Ikenobo

The beautiful Dojo

Rokkakudo Temple

Cherry blossom in the Rokkakudo temple grounds

Then there was Kyoto where we quickly found our way by bus or on foot. What beautiful memories we keep of the Philosopher's - and Bamboo walk, the eastern and western hills, some of its temples and gardens, the restaurants and cafes, the market places and shops. The cherry blossom trees at Nijo castle lit up at night were a fairy tale treat!

Some of the friendly Japanese people we met expressed their gratitude for our visit during these difficult times. Thank you Ikenobo Headquarters for your hospitality and thank you Kyoto, we hope to see you again soon!

Cherry blossom at Nanzen-ji

Huge flower display at department store

Cherry blossom along the Philosopher's walk

An atmospheric Gion

Lit up cherry blossom at Nijo Castle

The lit up cherry blossom draws huge crowds

Two Maiko in a rickshaw at Bamboo walk

The Ikebana Garden

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The Ikebana Garden

Wouldn’t it be ideal to grow beautiful flowers and branches in one’s own garden which can be used in our ikebana arrangements? Of course, if you have a garden, you would occasionally do so, but would it be possible to plant more suitable material and plenty of it? This is a vast subject and also a real hornet’s nest. Much depends on the growing conditions of our living area, of the amount of land available, of what we want to do in our arrangements and our experience of growing special plants.

I can only start this page as a possible forum for discussion and perhaps as an inspiration, but I am sure that the experience of many others is far more valuable than my limited adventures. The photographs show my Japanese style garden, which by no means is a good start. I have a moderately small plot and the plants that look good in it are rarely useful for ikebana. I love old fashioned scented roses which are happy in my front garden, but often have short (and very prickly) stems. Some of the tall lavenders are a summer’s day bliss but not really suitable material for arranging.

Admittedly, some of the plants are ‘neither use nor ornament’: I really should clear the patch of Chelone obliqua and replace them with for instance foxtail lilies (Eremurus). A patch of very invasive lowish bamboo, Pleioblastus variegatus, would look better when replanted with the lower and friendlier and ‘ikebanable’ Sasa veitchii minor.

If I would make a list of plants that I would like to grow, this page would be very long indeed. There is the wish (euphemism for strong desire) to grow a small needled pine, another Japanese maple (I already have two), a tree peony, a Nelumbo (white lotus), Celastrus orientalis (oriental bittersweet), a large Prunus mume (where would one buy one?), several Camellia’s (Camellia sasanqua!), a tall Cydonia etc. etc.

Then, there is the fact that some plants are quite small and although gorgeous in ikebana, grow at a rather slow rate. My Nandina domestica is a fine specimen but I would prefer it to be much taller and wider in order to withstand my constant plucking at it…… Shall I try and find space for another two?

Some of the Irises I grow are not traditionally found in Japanese ikebana: Iris germanica and Iris siberica will look good in Shoka shimputai and Jiyuka , but I hope that the white Iris ensata I planted in my pond last year will survive this dreadful winter and provide me with some beautiful flowers and leaves for a classical Shoka shofutai in late spring.

I shouldn’t complain though, there is plenty to enjoy: I love, and use Anemone x japonica (Honorine Jobert), bright yellow Hemerocallis, branches of Azalea japonica, Bletilla striata (an orchid), Solidago, Hakonechloa (a Japanese grass), Phylostachys aurea (a bamboo), Pinus mugo, Crocosmia, Hesperis matronalis (seedpods), Rodgersia, Heuchera, Sagittaria, Scirpus and Lespedeza thunbergii……. Plenty of challenges!

To be continued………………….

I planted a small tree in the front garden this May ( 2010). It is only a baby and I could not resist tying a piece of paper on a branch to wish it well and a long and happy life! Its name is Eriobotrya japonica(loquat tree) and as soon as I read in a gardening magazine it is hardy until minus10 degrees centigrade and grows to only 3-4 meters , I thought I would give it a go. The leaves are frequently used in Rikka(oba) and this was not the last reason why I decided to plant it.

Seminar/Workshop June 2009

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Seminar/workshop June 2009

This took place in a hotel in the west of the Netherlands, not far from Leiden. 34 Participants were immersed in ikenobo during 4 days, talking and dreaming Ikenobo and working very hard on our flower arrangements. Professor Kobayashi was continuously teaching, reviewing and correcting all our work. We were lucky to have such a kind, patient, humorous and respectful master and the best teacher we could have wished for from Ikenobo headquarters. I learned a lot from his lessons, demonstrations and the corrections on my own work and the corrections on the arrangements of the others. The demonstration at the end of the seminar taught me that spontaneity and swift decision making is as important as careful consideration. We had a wonderful time!

Moribana

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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

Nageire

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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.

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Jiyuka

2009-04-26T18:07:00.026+02:00

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.

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"

Shoka shofutai

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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.

Ishu ike with 9 Aspidistra leaves in Matagi :20 01 2012

07 01 2012

28 10 2011: Ishu ike with Liriope

05 10 2011: Muko-gake(matagi) with morning glory( first attempt). Flower gone to Nirvana just before finishing the arrangement.

Autumn workshop: 01 10 2011: Futakabu ike

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

during Japan weekend Shofukan

Japanese Iris July 2010

Gyo-do-Ike 3 July 2010

Shoka with a Matagi( forked twig or split branch) 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.

04-06-2011: Shoka Shofutai Ishu-ike with Matagi and Tomegi

Shoka shimputai

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Shoka shimputai (created by the current head master Senei Ikenobo in 1977) has Yin (Shu) and Yang (Yo) as main lines with most often a third supporting stem or branch (Ashirai). It is, with very few rules, more free and light in feeling compared to the previous style. It is however, difficult in its creation of a fresh, surprise- effect minimalism which depends on a good choice of materials that may include exotic flowers.

Ikenobo workshop 23 10 2010

11 02 2010

27 01 2011

24 02 2011

FOR RIKKA : CLICK ON OLDER POSTS

Rikka shofutai

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Ikenobo is famous for its Rikka compositions and at Ikenobo exhibitions these are particularly admired. Rikka shofutai is based on a traditional Rikka style, where the impression of a landscape is given with the use of thick (pine) branches, many materials and large heavy containers. Rikka shofutai with 9 main Yakueda but with the possibility of many Ashirai , is even as a simplified form of traditional Rikka, still quite complicated. It usually takes several hours to construct. Rules consist of a well defined Mizugiwa, stems which each their special place on the (large and heavy) Kenzan , their own direction and their own De, the point from which they part from the midline. All stems and branches seem to rise from the water as one mass. Empty and filled spaces are carefully balanced.

With the advancement of one's study and experience, there is a special challenge in using a Komiwara instead of a Kenzan. This is a bundle of plastic straw tied together by hemp , firmly fixed into the vase opening. Then there are the many fascinating variations in the use of the Yakueda.

November 2008

Tsugu Shin

O-uchi Mikoshi and Hidari-Nagashi 12-09-09

O-uchi Mikoshi and Nobori-do (Anturium) 27-09-09

Chudan Nagashi 07-11-09

Kano-shin (willow) and Nobori-do (Calathea crocata) 13-02-10

Small colourful Rikka with Alocasia leaf as Shin and exagerated Nagashi 13-03-10

Taka -uke with Bamboo , Gedan Shin 10-04-10

November 2010 Gyaku gatte ; Gedan Ozukai , 2 Oba leaves added

Uke Nagashi( catkins) : January 2011

Vase with small mouth and Komiwara: 05 02 2011

Nearly all garden materials: 07 05 2011

03 09 2011: Rikka with Ushiro Oha ( bronze vase and Komiwara)

12 08 2011: Rikka issomono : suna no mono(first attempt)

03 12 2011: winter is nearing

Rikka shimputai

2009-04-26T17:39:00.018+02:00

Rikka shimputai (created in 1999) with usually 9-11 branches or stems, has virtually no regulations but is all about balance, harmony, perspective and movement. Each stem or branch angles from around 5 cm above the water level in all directions. Exotic flower material is combined with more common plants. Its purpose is to give a fresh and lively impression.

December 2010

Less is more! 04 09 2010

3 materials only: 17 07 2010

3 materials only: 19 06 2010