My Ikenobo Ikebana No. 12
Today’s ikebana was fun because my teacher Mr. Okada, a man of many talents who can do backflips, allowed me to come up with own ideas. In the assignment, the yellow flowers were supposed to be the main elements, but I wanted to make the sweet peas the main elements, in the same way that the sidekick may steal the show from the lead actor. I also made the ivy into a circle. The link to my last ikebana with the link that leads to more previous ikebana links.
My Ikenobo Ikebana No. 11
My Ikenobo Ikebana No. 10 with links to more, back to my very first attempt at No. 1.
I am always struck by how this art form requires you to think about what these flower elements might have looked like as they were growing in nature. As a result, all that you do to the flowers, including breaking the branches, bending the leaves and cutting off some of the flowers, is totally unnatural, which goes to show that is what people do all the time to nature. To make things looks right. Feel right. Be right for human existence. It is a cruel thing to do. But we do it all the time. And the saddest thing of all is that it does look right after you do it all. And it makes you feel better, and at peace.
My Ikenobo Ikebana No. 10
My Ikenobo Ikebana
My previous ikebana with a link to more.
My Shoka Ikebana Nov. 5, 2025. My previous ikebana pieces here with links to even more previous ikebana.
This arrangement has the feel of autumn. The yellow chrysanthemums are the main objects. But the susuki grass blades add dynamism to the composition, while the brown-tinged leaves to the side have their own distinct personality.
My teacher said it was interesting I kept the blades long, and very much like me, which I think he meant in a positive way, as in a free spirit.
More of my ikebana at these links: No. 5 No. 4 No. 3 No. 2 and My No. 1 Ikenobo Ikebana.
I was allowed to choose my vase and so it’s a rather unusual shape this time that really stimulates your imagination as to where the leaves and flowers should be, can be, wants to be, or are speaking to your soul to be. The beauty of Ikebana is that it is a conversation, silent but certain, not only with the elements of Nature but also with things like a vase, specially made by an artist for Ikenobo Ikebana, an individual. You are also relating to many other people, your ikebana teacher, of course, and your inner self, but, more significantly, memories of people, like your mother, who taught you your first lessons in ikebana, pride and joy in your Japanese heritage, and recognizing beauty and the message of impermanence in Life.
My Ikenobo Ikebana No. 4 is here with links to the previous works.
The star of today’s ikebana are roses from Kenya called Game Changers, arranged in a wine glass partly filled with plastic crystals. My earlier Ikebana: My first ever Ikenobo Ikebana. Part Two or my Second Attempt. And Part Three.
Two and a half weeks later, the flowers have gone dry but are still vibrant with color. My teacher told me to watch for the flowers as they go dry, and, although I found just three pieces this time, they look grand and happy in the Hagiyaki plate. My parents lived in Yamaguchi Prefecture, where Hagi is located, and my father was a professor after retiring from an engineering company. They became friends with a lot of Hagiyaki artists and got their works at bargain prices. I treasures all their Hagiyaki pieces. There is a whole universe in this arrangement. And the messages that beauty _ and life _ do not end with death.
Today’s Ikenobo Ikebana used a sponge called “oasis,” because it’s apparently made by a company called Oasis, to arrange the flowers in a way that was quite three-dimensional but required the placement of the leaves at the bottom to “hide” the sponge. The teacher said to start with the main elements, the sunflowers. You place one sunflower, then the other sunflower, always lower than the first. The other elements are basically fillers for the empty spaces, but you have to think where those spots are and balance them. You can play around with the long leaves, even bending them with your fingers. But always remember the tips must look up, never droop. Adding the water comes last. The speckles of glitter reflecting in the vase are gorgeous and an understatement at once.
My First Ikenobo Ikebana
My first ever attempt at Ikenobo style Ikebana. May 21, 2025.