:: Recent Event ::
Ikenobo Demonstration by Naotaka Nakamura
Location: Theatre @ New England Botanic Garden Tower Hill, 11 French Dr, Boylston, MA 01505
Date: October 13, 2023
Professor Nakamura gave a wonderful 90-minute presentation of eight (8) types of Ikenobo Ikebana arrangements during the Ikebana International Event at the New England Botanical Garden in Tower Hill on 13 October. He emulated the ancient floral art form of Rikka Shofutai using Birds of Paradise as the primary yakueda (stems). He then went on to show the versatility of this material in a Shoka Issuike (one species arrangement), which also represents the matriculation of forms from the highly structured Rikka to the simplified Shoka that uses no wires or other artificial devices in its design.
The two newest forms of Ikenobo, Shoka Shimputai (1977) and Rikka Shimputai (1999) were demonstrated. These styles celebrate the recognition of the changes taking place in Japanese society and the availability of materials, while continuing with the tradition of the use of a mizugiwa (look of a single stem rising in Shoka and a tightly grouped bundle in Rikka). The essence of Shimputai is in the inspiration derived from the materials themselves and the creation of an overall sense of harmony in the arrangements.
To round out the demonstration, Professor Nakamura constructed Shoka Nishuike-2 species Shoka Sanshuike -3 species and two Jiyuka (freestyle) arrangements.
Date: October 13, 2023
Photos
Description
Visiting Professor from JapanProfessor Nakamura gave a wonderful 90-minute presentation of eight (8) types of Ikenobo Ikebana arrangements during the Ikebana International Event at the New England Botanical Garden in Tower Hill on 13 October. He emulated the ancient floral art form of Rikka Shofutai using Birds of Paradise as the primary yakueda (stems). He then went on to show the versatility of this material in a Shoka Issuike (one species arrangement), which also represents the matriculation of forms from the highly structured Rikka to the simplified Shoka that uses no wires or other artificial devices in its design.
The two newest forms of Ikenobo, Shoka Shimputai (1977) and Rikka Shimputai (1999) were demonstrated. These styles celebrate the recognition of the changes taking place in Japanese society and the availability of materials, while continuing with the tradition of the use of a mizugiwa (look of a single stem rising in Shoka and a tightly grouped bundle in Rikka). The essence of Shimputai is in the inspiration derived from the materials themselves and the creation of an overall sense of harmony in the arrangements.
To round out the demonstration, Professor Nakamura constructed Shoka Nishuike-2 species Shoka Sanshuike -3 species and two Jiyuka (freestyle) arrangements.