Ikebana – Flower Arranging Demonstration

The November meeting of the Kamakura Ikebana chapter was held at the Engaku-ji temple on Thursday, November 17th. The guest of honor was Ms. Lily Zhang of the Ichiyo School of Ikebana. Currently, she is serving as the president of the Ikebana International Shanghai Chapter in China. Her presentation was amazing. She created two arrangements for each season for a total of 8 arrangements. The arrangements are titled “Flower Rhyme.” 

I’m sure you’re thinking, how could flower arranging be exciting? Well, I hope when you visit we have the chance to attend one of Ikebana’s events. Watching Ms. Zhang demonstrate flower arranging was relaxing and transfixing. Her passion for the art of Ikebana was apparent as she created her arrangements. 

She started with the fall season. 

Then she created her winter arrangements. 

The next two arrangements were representions of spring. I know I am biased, but the spring arrangements were my favorite. She used washi paper on the first spring arrangement. After she finished placing the baby’s breath, she used a squirt bottle to spray water on the washi paper to represent the snow melting off the mountains. Truly beautiful and symbolic. 

The final group she arranged was summer. The first arrangement utilizes palm fan leaves to create a dramatic contrast between the green foliage and white background. The second arrangement used her favorite flower, the red gloriosa, a type of lily. A little side note about the red gloriosa, after the earthquake in 2011, Japanese flower markets began selling the red flowers as an expression of mourning. 

The final piece of the arrangement was the addition of a large bamboo stalk. 

After the arrangement demonstration, we enjoyed our bento box lunch. 

Following lunch we experienced tea service in the temple. This was only a service, not to be confused with the tea ceremony. (Still on my list!) also, it is important to note, green tea is served with a sweet. Our sweet was mochi with red bean paste. Ugh. There is nothing, I repeat nothing sweet about red bean paste. It’s pretty much like eating mashed red beans. Yuck. I had to make myself get that little ball down with my green tea. Which was very green. It was like drinking blended grass. I can only imagine my face as I’m eating and sipping. 

I was secretly jealous I wasn’t wearing a skirt so I could sit in a chair! My knees don’t like to be folded under any more.

 

After tea, we walked around the temple for a few minutes. It was then I realized, I forgot my temple book! Gah! Good thing this temple wasn’t too far away and I can easily return. 

As we were leaving, we passed a couple having their engagement photos taken! 

And friends having a kimono photo shoot. 

It was a very fun day filled with so much Japanese culture. I’m so happy I was told about and able to join the Ikebana International Kamakura chapter. It such a unique experience every month!