METRO SHANGHAI / METRO SHANGHAI
Ikebana lovers in Shanghai showcase their works at annual exhibition
In season
The Ikebana International Shanghai Chapter recently organized its second annual exhibition in Shanghai. Over 45 works from five ikebana schools were exhibited.
As a member from the Ichiyo School of Ikebana, Regina Naegeli Besse has followed the basic form of the school to use three twigs of one flower to form the shape of a scalene triangle, which represent the triumvirate of heaven, Earth and humanity.
An ikebana arrangement can only use flowers that are currently in season or about to be in season, so Besse used peony as the primary flower in her work. The peony, the bamboo and twigs have achieved a natural balance in the work, predicting the approaching of the spring.
Hailing from Brazil, Besse has lived in China for almost 10 years. She met master Lily Zhang, president of the Ikebana International Shanghai Chapter and a member of Japan Ikebana Association (pictured right), and then decided to learn ikebana from her. Every month, Besse spends 15 days in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province with her husband, and 15 days in Shanghai to study ikebana and make new friends.
"The interesting thing that I learn from ikebana is that with a few elements you can construct something very special," said Besse. "It is the way for me to meet people. Besides the flowers, there are my friends in my group here."
The Ichiyo School of flower arrangement often tries to avoid using pin holders. To achieve a natural balance, bamboo is preferred. This is a unique character of the Ichiyo School, which tries to present the beauty of nature without too much artificial decoration. Apart from works by the Ichiyo School, arrangements from members of four other schools were also exhibited during the event.
"The Rikka style of the Ikenobo School is quite difficult, but it is elegant and beautiful. It requires a lot of technique and skills from the arranger. The Saga Goryu School of Seika style flower arrangement is more succinct and sometimes use only one kind of flower," said Zhang.
"The Ohara School focuses on natural scenery in its arrangements and tries to present the beauty of nature, often with a special water plate called suiban. The Sogetsu School emphasizes the personality of the arranger," she said.
Yukari Katayama, wife of Kazuyuki Katayama, Consul General of Japan in Shanghai (pictured far right), attended the event as the honorable president of the Ikebana International Shanghai Chapter. "I have participated in ikebana activities in Asia, the US and Europe. Ikebana is part of the Japanese traditional culture, but the cultures and climates of different countries have added special characters to ikebana in these places," said Katayama.
As a member from the Ichiyo School of Ikebana, Regina Naegeli Besse has followed the basic form of the school to use three twigs of one flower to form the shape of a scalene triangle, which represent the triumvirate of heaven, Earth and humanity.
An ikebana arrangement can only use flowers that are currently in season or about to be in season, so Besse used peony as the primary flower in her work. The peony, the bamboo and twigs have achieved a natural balance in the work, predicting the approaching of the spring.
Hailing from Brazil, Besse has lived in China for almost 10 years. She met master Lily Zhang, president of the Ikebana International Shanghai Chapter and a member of Japan Ikebana Association (pictured right), and then decided to learn ikebana from her. Every month, Besse spends 15 days in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province with her husband, and 15 days in Shanghai to study ikebana and make new friends.
"The interesting thing that I learn from ikebana is that with a few elements you can construct something very special," said Besse. "It is the way for me to meet people. Besides the flowers, there are my friends in my group here."
The Ichiyo School of flower arrangement often tries to avoid using pin holders. To achieve a natural balance, bamboo is preferred. This is a unique character of the Ichiyo School, which tries to present the beauty of nature without too much artificial decoration. Apart from works by the Ichiyo School, arrangements from members of four other schools were also exhibited during the event.
"The Rikka style of the Ikenobo School is quite difficult, but it is elegant and beautiful. It requires a lot of technique and skills from the arranger. The Saga Goryu School of Seika style flower arrangement is more succinct and sometimes use only one kind of flower," said Zhang.
"The Ohara School focuses on natural scenery in its arrangements and tries to present the beauty of nature, often with a special water plate called suiban. The Sogetsu School emphasizes the personality of the arranger," she said.
Yukari Katayama, wife of Kazuyuki Katayama, Consul General of Japan in Shanghai (pictured far right), attended the event as the honorable president of the Ikebana International Shanghai Chapter. "I have participated in ikebana activities in Asia, the US and Europe. Ikebana is part of the Japanese traditional culture, but the cultures and climates of different countries have added special characters to ikebana in these places," said Katayama.
Yukari Katayama, wife of Kazuyuki Katayama, Consul General of Japan in Shanghai
Lily Zhang, president of the Ikebana International Shanghai Chapter
Works from different schools of ikebana are displayed at an exhibition organized by the Ikebana International Shanghai Chapter. Photos: Yang Lan/GT
