Nurtured by special appreciation of nature, changing seasons and understanding the beauty of flowers and plants. Our hearts are cleansed in the bright freshness and purity of flowers.
The Ikenobo School of ikebana uses the phrase, “Origin of Ikebana” because it was the first “school” of ikebana. This school of Ikebana has evolved significantly since 1462. The current 45th headmaster, Sen’ei Ikenobo appointed his daughter, Yuki, who recently took the name Senko Ikenobo, headmaster designate. The Ikenobo School of Ikebana has styles of arranging that are complex and simple at the same time and all reflect an understanding and great appreciation of nature. There are five basic styles within the Ikenobo school: Shoka Shofutai (designs with one, two or three materials dating from the 1700’s but evolving to reflect changes in materials and placement of an arrangement) Shoka Shimputai (designs with three materials; developed by the 45th headmaster in 1977) Rikka Shofutuai (more complex designs with historical signifigance from the 1600’s) Rikka Shimputai (complex design with a modern expression; developed by the current headmaster in 1998) Free Style (a constantly evolving style).
Please know that in all Ikenobo styles except Free Style, the vase is considered to be the earth and it is important that the design look as if it is coming from one life force. Hence, the materials are all very neat and tidy as they emerge from the container.
Rikka Shofutai (more complex designs with historical significance from the 1600’s)
Shoka Shofutai (designs with one, two or three materials dating from the 1700’s but evolving to reflect changes in materials and placement of the arrangement)
Shoka Shimputai (designs with three materials; developed by the 45th headmaster in 1977)
Rikka Shimputai (complex design with a modern expression; developed by the current headmaster in 1998)
Free Style (a constantly evolving style) Please enjoy examples of the Ikenobo school in the designs pictured below from a variety of Senior Professors and their students throughout the U.S.
Above is a Rikka Sunanomono that was created by Dan dell’Agnese, At-Large, along with members of the Boston Chapter for the 2020 Boston flower show. This is a very special and ancient design. Some sunanomono’s can be 20-30 feet long and 10-15 feet tall and take literally months to create. These are very special arrangements and are created for special exhibitions or events.
These are two of the earliest types of Ikenobo arrangements, Tatehana. The one on the left is a traditional version which requires the use of pine was created by Stephanie English, Naples Chapter. The arrangement on the right, created by Noriko Rajagopalan, Atlanta Chapter is a modern interpretation of this older Tatehana style.
Above left is a traditional Rikka Shofutai created by Dan dell’Agnese, At-Large, using very traditional materials such as pine and maple. On the right is a more modern version of the same style by Jeanne Holy of the Ikenobo Illinois Prairie Ikenobo Chapter
All Shoka Shofutai designs. From left to right – Isshuike (one material) Shoka by Jeanne Holy, Ikenobo Illinois Prairie Chapter and Nishuike Shoka (two materials) by Laura Felt, Asheville Chapter.
Two versions of shimputai appear above. On the left is a Shoka Shimputai, a style that was created in 1977. The arrangement was made by Laura Felt, Asheville Chapter. On the right is a Rikka Shimputai design, a style which began in 1999. The design was created by Emiko Suzuki, also of the Asheville Chapter.
Ikenobo often uses bamboo and other very different looking types of containers. Above are some examples of traditional shoka designs in these specialty containers. Above left by Dan dell’Agnese, At-Large, and above right is by Nori Noda of the Ikebana International Chapter in New York.
Free Style in Ikenobo is always evolving. Above from left to right are Free Style arrangements from Lee Ann Burr and Stephanie English both from the Naples Chapter. The arrangement on the far right is by Kathy Jones, Ikenobo South Florida Chapter.
Ikenobo Free Style can be quite whimsical like these by Emiko Suzuki, Asheville Chapter, using kitchen utensils as containers! From left to right the “containers” are whisks, potato ricer and egg slicer!
…and they can be quite large like the left one above by Kyoko Peterson, Washington D.C. Chapter, or small as on the right by Emiko Suzuki, Asheville Chapter.
