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Ikebana is a traditional Japanese art that has
been practiced for more than six centuries.
It developed from the Buddhist ritual of
offering flowers to the spirits of the dead.
It is now practiced as an art form independent
of its religious origins, however the art has
retained strong symbolic and philosophical meaning.
An Ikebana arrangement may be composed of any plant
material including flowers, branches, leaves, grasses,
moss, fruits or seedpods. The selection of each element
demands an experienced eye and considerable technical
skill in order to create beauty that transcends nature
and transforms the surrounding space. Careful consideration
must be given to the setting a piece will inhabit.
Simplicity and use of asymmetrical form or empty
space are characteristic of Ikebana.
Founded by Unshin Ohara in the late nineteenth century,
the Ohara School of Ikebana has a world-wide network of
high quality Ikebana instructors that carry on the
innovative spirit of the Ohara style of Ikebana. The
Moribana Style of Ikebana was first developed by the
Ohara School. This was a pioneering and brilliant step
in modern Ikebana. This style of Ikebana emphasizes the
beauty of color as well as the beauty of nature. We are
fortunate to have an Ohara Ryu trained instructor here at
the Zen Training Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.
To learn more about the Ohara School of Ikebana please
visit:
http://www.ohararyu.or.jp/english/index_e.html
Copyright Ohara School of Ikebana Headquarters 2006
Yoshie Takahashi Sensei recalls a love for flowers since
childhood. Seeing this, her mother encouraged her to
start taking Ikebana classes when Takahashi Sensei was
in middle school. She began studying at the Ohara School
of Ikebana and continued her studies in Japan until she
received her 2nd Master's degree in Ikebana while still
in her high school years. In 1995 Takahashi Sensei moved
to the United States where she has continued her Ikebana
practice.
Check
out our
Intro to Ikebana Course!
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Copyright © 2009 Zenshinkan Dojo
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