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Ikebana crash course for the busy travelerBy Erin RigikThe long stemmed rose shakes in my hand as I jam it into place and pull it to the right to create the appropriate angle. Using a method called mizuage, I submerge the stem of the next flower in water and snip off one whole inch of stem to ensure the flower's longevity. I'm front and center at an Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) class in Wakayama, Japan, a small city about two hours south of Kyoto.
Along with calligraphy, and tea ceremony, Ikebana stands as a prime example of traditional Japanese arts that continue to thrive in modern times. While touring Japan, take a breather from the exhausting temple quest and sign up for a one day (or often one hour) workshop on Ikebana, and receive a memorable experience in Japanese culture. Ikebana began in the 8th Century when Shinto and Buddhist priests began presenting Shinto deities and buddhas with flower offerings. By the end of the 15th Century, Ikebana began to develop along side the tea ceremony as a way of decorating the tearoom.
When Ikebana began, only men including priests, nobles, the Shoguns and the samurai practiced Ikebana. This changed at the end of the Edo Period (1603-1867) when women began to participate in the art. Today women dominate the art of Ikebana, Ageshio says. Ikebana can be divided into two parts: moribana and nageire. Ageshio's workshop focuses on moribana, which uses a shallow container with a kenzan (a metal plate with thick pins protruding from the surface) to hold the flowers in place. Nageire calls for a tall vase to hold flowers. Ikebana classes are offered throughout Japan, and special tourist classes are especially prominent in Tokyo and Kyoto, where travelers abound. Ikebana in TokyoThe Sogetsu Foundation offers classes every Monday from 10
a.m. to 12 p.m. with the exception of national holidays. A one hour introductory
lesson can be arranged for 4,850 yen (pay in cash at the door on the day of the
class). The fee for registered students is 3,800. A reservation is required by
phone or email. For phone assistance in English please call: 03- 3408-1151 from
Japan or 81-3-3408-1151 from the U.S. The Ohara School Tokyo offers introductory lessons
for tourists, as well as classes for advanced and beginning students. Classes
are offered on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and on Thursdays from 10 a.m.
to 12 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The price for each class is 2,000 yen
plus 1,600 yen for floral materials. A fee of 800 yen is charged for those who
wish to observe rather than participate. Pay with cash at the end of the
lesson. Make a reservation at least one day in advance. Observing does not
require a reservation, but call for times as the schedule may change. To make a
reservation in English call: 03-5774-5097 from Japan, or 81-3-5774-5097 from the
U.S. Ikebana in KyotoWAK Japan provides classes in English for the price of 4120 yen per person. Call (075)212-9993 to reserve a time in English. Classes in private homes are available for 1200 yen per person and a service is available to transport tourists from their hotel to the private home. In addition to Ikebana, WAK Japan can provide classes in kimono wearing, tea ceremony, Japanese dance and calligraphy, in conjunction with Ikebana or separately. To get to WAK Japan, take bus #205 or #17 from Kyoto station to Kawaramachi-Marutamachi bus stop. For more information on classes, prices and possible discounts visit the Wak Japan website at http://www.wakjapan.com/english/course.html or email questions to wak@wakjapan.com. Kyoto Tourist Information for Foreign Visitors is an excellent place to find information on everything and anything in Kyoto. Located on the 9th floor of Kyoto Station, the visitor's center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. For assistance in English call: 075-344-3300 from Japan or 81-75-344-3300 from the U.S. by Erin Rigik. |
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Instructor Chizuko Ageshio
observes my poorly constructed masterpiece and plucks a few flowers, returning
them to a new spot on a more attractive angle. She nods encouragement and turns
to the next student.
Today there are more than 300 different schools, Ageshio
says through translator Mika Uemura.