Ikebana is the traditional art of Japanese flower arranging. There are many schools of Ikebana, the more internationally well-known ones are Sogetsu, Ikenobo and Ohara. I studied Ikebana many many moons ago, remember I loooooove Japanese culture ever since I was young? I was delighted when my Nihongo sensei (Japanese teacher) gave me some tickets to the Hanaemi exhibition in Yokohama. Hehe don't worry, this is not going to be a lecture on Ikebana :)
Yokohama is only about 30minutes from Tokyo by train. So in the weekend, we set out for the Hanaemi, equipped with our 'little' camera of course. To my surprise, the exhibition was not that small scale! There were over 130 displays and the designs are all very exquisite. You can appreciate the creativity, skills and character of each designer. I pick 10 of my favourites even though I love so many of them. Afterall, I can't possibly post them all, can I?
The skills in tieing the bamboos together to make the shape of a parasol!
The beautiful shapes and lines of Ikebana!
Isn't this a sweetheart?
I love the designer hiding the vases behind the elements for a 'rock garden' look :)
Some Japanese ladies in kimono enjoying the Hanaemi :)
The twigs are woven into a handbag, so whimsical yet zen :)
Test tube babies!
I call this one 'as proud as a peacock'!
I love the shape of this vase, it's a piece of art in itself!
Now, I'm still trying to figure out what those 3 little 'baldy' plants are supposed to be, can you tell?
I think of present when I saw this, so I am giving a 'present' to myself :)
Hope you enjoy :)
8 comments:
Hi Chinggu!
Wow! these floral arrnagements are really awesome and breathtakingly beautiful. Love the newest style in arranging. Never saw any of these themes before.
I especially love the parasol, test tube babies, peacock & the heart.
Thanx for sharing these pics.
Take care,
Judy
Dear chinggu,
So happy to hear from you. Yes, all 130 displays are very beautiful and innovative. However with photography limitations, some look better in pictures than others. Hehe, I guess like human, even some flowers and arrangements are more photogenic than others :)
Glad you enjoy them, you think you will try one at home?
Please take care!
love ... jaime
Hi Jaime,
You are soooooo lucky to experience all these wonderful so many Japanese things. Parasol, the second picture and the 4th. ones are my favorite. Thanks.
I love ikebana eversince I was a young girl. Never took any classes but I studied from the pictures and try to arrange flowers for my house and especially for the Buddha shrine in my house.
You are one lucky lady, who can experience all these Japanese culture and beauty. I so envy you, not only can afford to live there but also have all the time you need to explore the wonderful world of Japan. That's my family's dream. Only if my daughters can get the jobs there, we will be happy to move.
Thanks for all these postings, now I can live in Japan through you my dear.
love,
Y.
Hi jaime,
So nice! The floral arrangement is beautiful and special.
Thanks.
How are you?
All the best.
Hi Yee,
I am happy to hear that you enjoy Ikebana. Actually, sometimes I still feel like I am in a dream. I can't believe I am living and walking on the streets of Tokyo like the locals. Yes, I am very thankful and try not to waste any day here.
I hope you and your daughters will fulfill your dream of living in Japan soon. It's a really wonderful experience!
love ... Jaime
Hi Lin,
Thanks for your comment. I am glad you like the flower arrangements. I am doing great, I hope you do too! Please take care!
regards ... Jaime
Beautiful darling
They have this unique sense of style, they are so sobert and yet is difrent and is like there is a motive behind it.
I don't know if that makes any sense at all, but that is how I see it.
Moontime
Hi moontime,
You make perfect sense, I also feel each floral designer is trying to convey a message or form. Too bad I am not knowledgeable enough about Ikebana and Japanese culture to understand them. But I guess beauty is beauty, it's there for everyone to enjoy and make her own interpretation, right?
Am glad you enjoy them, thanks for your comments.
regards ... Jaime
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