Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, has a history of over 500 years. When the government of Japan was centralized, the arts were recognized and included in this new central control. Flower arranging achieved formal recognition as an art and placed in charge to a family of high standing, the Ikenobo family of Kyoto. “Ikenobo” which means “living near a pond” is headquartered at the Rokkakudo Temple in Kyoto, Japan. The priests of this family have served as hereditary headmasters of Ikenobo with Sensei Ikenobo carrying on the rich tradition as the 45^th and present headmaster.

What makes Ikebana unique and does it differ from regular floral design? Plants and flowers in Ikebana can convey happiness, sadness, impressions of nature, the joy of various seasons and events or creative themes. The possibilities of Ikebana is unlimited for it can bring out the beauty of a single blossom or suggest the magnificence of a natural scene. Although flower materials are cut and removed from nature, they are alive and arranged in a new environment expressing the essence of its natural beauty. Ikebana is attentive in its use of space. Just a decorative arrangement can turn to a very special communication between the arranger of the art and the person appreciating it.

The early development of Ikebana can be traced through the study of old paintings, patterns on bronze vases, and scenes depicted on tapestries in museums concerned with oriental art. The cornerstone of Ikebana is the principle of “Three”.  An early flower master stated that One line is symbolic, Two are harmonious, but Three represents fulfillment (development). The three lines arranged in an asymmetrical triangle creates balance and its corner points are defined as Heaven, Man and Earth. The attitude towards their art of those who made the arrangement were so important that the priest ruled that their design principles be obeyed and that one should approach the art with self-discipline, humility, and grateful awareness of beauty and the presence of something greater than oneself.

The forms of Ikebana has endured and evolved with changing lifestyles and Ikenobo’s rich tradition provides a firm basis for innovation in today’s modern Ikebana. Ikenobo’s style include not only the solemn and magestic Rikka and traditional Shoka, but the brightness of Modern Shoka and the abstract design of Jiyuka or Freestyle.

The Ikenobo Ikebana Society, Nevada Chapter is based here in Las Vegas. It was founded in 1975 and is one of the many chapters throughout the United States and around the world. Senior Professor Muriel Scrivner, who has over 43 years of experience with Ikenobo Ikebana, conducts workshop meetings on the second Saturday of each month. Everyone is welcome to participate and learn the art of Japanese flower arranging.

                                                                        Sunshine and Flowers,

                                                                        Muriel Scrivner, president