Quince may not be celebrated similar to ume (plum blossoms) or sakura (cherry blossoms). But this thorny vibrant-red flower is as popular in Asian poetry and paintings. In Japanese arts and literature, this flower symbolises love and sincerity. It welcomes the spring season with vibrant red; dainty pink; or elegant white. The Japanese Quince is on my list of materials that I want to have in my Ikebana this year… Read More
For most of us, it is innate to find life lessons from what we do – a hobby an adventure, or our daily routine. The desire to find what we can learn from doing something is always there. Since I started learning and practicing Ikebana, I try to connect the Ikebana techniques I learned to everyday life. However, it is not until recently that I become conscious of connecting the.. Read More
Before there were kenzans, people use traditional fixtures and stones to stabilize the stems when creating Ikebana. Strong twigs or stems are placed in the container as fixtures to help maintain the structure and balance of the materials. Last Tuesday during my special lesson with my sensei, I tried to use a natural fixture for an arrangement. This is a type of fixture that uses the original angle of the.. Read More
Spring blossoms are here again! Quite early still but since mid-January we have already some in our flower sets. And last Tuesday, I am very happy to find some sweet peas and peach blossoms. Spring Blossoms Ikebana This year, my peach stems have finally bloomed. I usually get those that have big buds but never open. Please note however that they were in full bloom a day after I took.. Read More
Celebrations in Ikebana was the main theme for the recent Autumn Semester at Best Living Japan Ikebana Class. During each lesson, we first introduced the principles of Ikebana. Then we apply them to our arrangements for western festivities like Thanksgiving and Christmas. We also introduced Japanese traditions such the appreciation of autumn colors or Koyo. Western Celebrations in Ikebana For our Autumn semester, we conducted three classes – once a.. Read More