The Ikenobo Ikebana Chapter of Boston invites you to experience the Art of Japanese Flower Arranging in a one-day, hands-on workshop on Saturday, March 22, from 9:30 – 3 at Whitcomb Hall, First Parish Church, 50 Church Street, Waltham, Massachusetts.
Learn about Ikenobo, an Ikebana school grounded in a finely developed aesthetic sensitivity born of the beauty of Japan’s natural environment. Ikenobo is unique to Japan, with its awareness that beauty lies not only in a flower in full bloom but in leaves, branches and grasses without flowers. This aesthetic began in 15th century Japan with the development of the Ikenobo school of flower arranging. Ikenobo arrangements extend from fixed form designs developed over centuries, to modern, contemporary styles that break with the original traditions but still retain an emphasis on good design: linear perfection, color harmony, space and form. This workshop will serve as an introduction to Ikenobo for beginner and advanced floral designers. You will make two arrangements that show the core rules of Ikenobo and how those rules have and can be adapted to contemporary designs.
The morning lesson, Shoka Shofutai, will be taught by Mimi Santini-Ritt. Bring Shoka container, kenzan (pinholder), small pebbles or aquarium gravel to fill container, scissors, cloth for under scissors, bucket to hold flowers, and brown paper bag for trash. The Chapter will provide the floral materials. The afternoon session, Shoka Shimputai, will be led by Kathy Marble. Bring a Shoka container, another kenzan if possible, small pebbles or aquarium gravel to fill container, cloth for under scissors, and bucket. Best not to dismantle the first arrangement in order to create the second. Again, the Chapter will provide materials, but feel free to bring a special stem or two of your own. Arrangements will be corrected by the teachers. The cost is $40 for the day – coffee and tea will be provided, but please bring your own lunch.
Reservations must be made no later than March 10 by sending a $40 check payable to IKENOBO IKEBANA SOCIETY OF BOSTON to Mimi Santini-Ritt, 92 Grant Avenue, Newton, MA 02459. Include your name and telephone number and reference the March 22 workshop. Flower material will be provided only for those who send their reservations and payment on time. Below is a picture of a Shoka container, for your reference. For more examples click HERE.
