Ikebana is not the result of one person’s work, but rather a culmination of centuries of cultural influences, artistic developments, and the contributions of numerous practitioners and masters over time. The origins of Ikebana can be traced back to ancient Japan, where floral offerings were made at altars and shrines as part of Buddhist religious rituals. Buddhism traveled to Japan from India traveling through China and Korea. Over time, these offerings evolved into more elaborate arrangements, incorporating elements of aesthetics and symbolism.
Throughout its history, Ikebana has been influenced by a wide range of cultural and artistic movements, including Zen Buddhism, Tea Ceremony aesthetics, and the changing tastes of Japanese society. As a result, the practice of Ikebana has continued to evolve and adapt to new influences and ideas. Various new contemporaries all over the world have added to its legacy. For many, flower arranging may appear to be a pastime traditionally associated with femininity. However, although Ikebana is now predominantly practiced and led by female masters, its historical narrative reveals it as a domain primarily occupied by male artists for a significant portion of its existence. For centuries, Ikebana was practiced by monks, knights and male members of noble families only. However, women were still not allowed to practice it. The Samurais and warriors used to practice Ikebana to attain peace and quieten their mind. They practiced Ikebana with such concentration that it led them to a state of deep meditation. I get thrilled when I think about how these silent flowers and leaves would have transformed these warriors into a calm and tolerant state.
Ikebana masters are custodians of the rich cultural heritage associated with the art form. They uphold traditional techniques, styles, and aesthetic principles passed down through generations, ensuring that the essence of Ikebana is preserved. While certain individuals, such as Tea Master Sen No Rikyū, Senno Ikenobō, Unshin Ohara and Sofu Teshigahara, have played significant roles in shaping the practice of Ikebana through their teachings and innovations, it is ultimately the collective effort of countless practitioners over the centuries that has contributed to its rich and diverse tradition. Ikebana is a reflection of the creativity, ingenuity, and cultural heritage of the Japanese people as a whole.
Today, new generation Ikebana Masters are carrying the baton of their schools and are spreading this art manifold. Head master Hiroki Ohara of Ohara School, Headmaster designate Senko Ikenobo of Ikenobo School, Akane Teshigahara of Sogetsu School, Naohira Kasuya of Ichiyo School, Keiho Hihara of Misho School, Deputy Headmistress Isshiki Risei of Shoka Koryu School, Vice Headmaster Rikou Otsuka of Koryu Katabami School are few of the names whom I have met and attended their demonstrations. It is heartwarming to witness the spread of Ikebana; it does not, infect, matter which school we belong to but it is the spirit of Ikebana that binds us affectionately with a floral string. We look forward to our world convention, regional conferences around the world to meet and greet one another. Somehow each one of us is carrying the fragrance of floral friendship around the world.
