Ikebana Colorado
"Flowers, Trees, Grasses and Plants each have
their own innate spirit.
Only after one has actually determined the true
nature of this spirit through observation
should arranging begin"
-Ito Jakuchu (1755)-
EXPLORE THE WORLD OF IKENOBO IKEBANA BELOW
IKENOBO IKEBANA
SOCIETY OF AMERICA
COLORADO CHAPTER
* NEXT EVENT -
Rikka Traditional Celebration
April 18, 2025. SEE BELOW.
Email Ikenoboikebana@hotmail.com for info
Call 303-264-4287 , See Flyer Below.
OFFICIAL IKENOBO COLORADO CHAPTER
Ikenobo - The Birthplace of Ikebana.
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5,556,135
Website Views:
5,556,135
Explore the Joy of Ikenobo on these pages
Explore the Joy of Ikenobo on these pages
BEAUTIFUL IKEBANA FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS MADE BY MEMBERS OF THE COLORADO CHAPTER FOR THE ANNUAL BOULDER GRAND EXHIBITION.
1. What is Ikebana - Japanese Flower Arranging - What is it really ?
In simplest form Ikebana is an arrangement of cut flowers in a container with water following Japanese design and cultural principles. The practice actually started well over 2000 years ago in Japanese prehistory and continues today as a modern cultural custom all over the world. Indeed, there are hundreds of Ikebana “schools” in Japan and each school creates their own Ikebana design and represents their own interpretation of “what is Ikebana”. On the internet and social media you can find thousands of photos of Ikebana, many with very divergent or obscure design concepts. How does a Westerner living in America and separated from Japanese culture by a very large ocean find the right school – how does a person cut through the flood of information and pursue a path of learning “kado” to create beautiful Ikebana and join that modern cultural movement. You will find the answer below.
2. What is Ikenobo Ikebana ?
Ikenobo is the oldest and largest Ikebana school started in 1462 with over 4.5 million members. The Headquaters is centrally located at the Ikenobo Institute in downtown Kyoto, Japan. Ikenobo also refers to the name of the successive generational Headmasters. Sen‘ei Ikenobo is our 45th Headmaster of the Rokkakudo (Chohoji Temple). We are fortunate to have an Official Ikenobo Local Chapter sponsored by the Headmaster that has been in Colorado since 1968. That's right – there is a vibrant and fun group of lively Ikenobo designers in the area that sponsor many activities all year long. If you are interested in Classes, Workshops, Remote online learning, Exhibitions, Festivals, Demonstrations, Floral Design Research, Local Japanese Ikenobo Institute Professor Workshops, Special Workshops around the Country, Travel in Japan, Study Tours in Japan, Classes in Japan and Japanese Cultural Events – we have them all. Please read on.
9. Most Importantly – We have fun !!
The Official Ikenobo Colorado Chapter is a fun loving group of artists, gardeners, cultural practitioners, botanists, and designers that have an affinity for plants, the natural world and flowers. If you enjoy these things – this is the group for you. What could be better than spending the day enjoying plants and flowers. Join the Official Ikenobo Colorado Chapter now – Email: IkenoboIkebana@hotmail.com.
Thanks to everyone that attended
Oubaitori
“桜梅桃李”
Cherry, Plum, Apricot and Peach
Colorado Chapter Grand Exhibition
Oubaitori
“桜梅桃李”
Cherry, Plum, Apricot and Peach
Colorado Chapter Grand Exhibition
Boulder Library, December.
CHOHOJI TEMPLE
The ROKKAKUDO and The Birthplace of Ikebana
Built in 587 AD
3. Why learn Ikenobo Ikebana?
There are numerous reasons why Ikenobo Ikebana should appeal to you. Each is unique to the individual and we encourage each designer to travel their own “path” on the road to learning Ikenobo. Let’s look briefly at some of the main reasons why you should pursue Ikenobo:
4. Many Many Styles to Choose From -
Let your own creative process guide you. Ikenobo is the original Ikebana school in Japan and celebrates over 550 years of Floral Design and Arrangement Culture. Due to this long history Ikenobo embraces numerous Japanese arrangement styles and is not restricted like other Ikebana schools that force you to do only One thing. In Ikenobo we practice Tatehana, Rikka, Sunanomono, Shoka, Shoka Shimputai, Rikka Shimputai, Moribana, Nageire, Chabana, Kusamono, Jiyuka, and Free Style; plus many more. If you like traditional 14th century historical Tatehana arrangements, you can pursue that; or how about huge floral orchestrations of magnificent flowers in Rikkas, learn that; or maybe you like the ultra-simplicity of a Zen motivated arrangement like Shoka, simply exquisite; or jump into super modern Avant-Garde Jiyuka, just go for it. We have all of these in IKENOBO. The very large variety of styles allows each student practitioner to follow their own “path” of learning as they desire or do them all. Follow the true path of learning (kado) with Ikenobo. I encourage you to turn to page three of this website to learn more about all the different Ikenobo styles and refer to all the Chapter Student pictures and Exhibition pictures from the Official Ikenobo Colorado Chapter on www.IkenoboIkebana.com . If you see what you like – Keep reading.
5. Learn From the Highest Ranked Teacher in the US-
Receive the highest quality instruction available. We are fortunate in the Official Ikenobo Colorado Chapter to have one of three of the highest ranked Ikenobo teachers in the United States (the other two reside in CA). Unlike other schools the highest ranked Ikenobo Professors must study for almost 35 years to attain a high rank. By Special Instittue Scholarship and Grant Our Official Colorado Chapter Senior Ikenobo Professor is a graduate of the full Japanese Curriculum of courses normally only reserved for Japanese. He is an accomplished graduate of the Japanese Masters and Seminar Programs at the Ikenobo Institute in Kyoto, Japan. For his advanced work he was awared one of the highest ranks in Ikenobo. So you will receive the best hands-on instruction available anywhere while attending Official Colorado Chapter events. And you don’t need to speak Japanese. Our Professor is a native English speaker and can provide all instructions in very clear, precise, and intelligible English conversation.
6. Well communicated english step-by-step demonstrations and instructions where anyone can learn Ikenobo -
At all of the Official Ikenobo Colorado Chapter monthly in-person workshops you will be provided with two several hour-long lectures and demonstrations on how to construct specific styles of arrangements with drawings, handouts and personal one-on-one tutoring. The Chapter provides all the floral materials for you to create your own designs. A full day of learning provides significant and adequate time for you to work at your own pace, ask lots of questions, see others create, and it is also a real bargain (Don’t throw your money away on one-hour lessons taught by other schools). Details of each monthly workshop are provided by email with registration instructions. The Senior professor will examine each of your creations and provide an artistic critique in the classic Japanese Eastern Style Learning Method. You can then take your beautful creations home to enjoy.
7. Many Learning Options to Fit Your Lifestyle –
In person and online. The Official Colorado Chapter sponsors many events and learning opportunities for everyone. Learn at your own pace as your time permits. We have full day in-person workshops in the Denver Area. Class opportunities in the evenings and weekends online and in person. With Monthly Video demonstrations from Japan in English you can watch anytime at your convenience. Online live zoom sessions with real time photo editing critics. If you live remotely participate in our zoom sessions. And more. Choose which ever sessions are convenient for you. Email: Ikenoboikebana@hotmail.com to discuss what options are best for you.
8. Opportunities to Display Your Art Work -
The Official Ikenobo Colorado Chapter sponsors many public events at local festivals, museums and colleges. The Official Chapter also sponsors one of the largest all Ikenobo flower shows in the entire country. Each year the Chapter members pull out all the stops and the Boulder Canyon Gallery Art Space is filled to capacity with artistic Ikenobo creations in a professional gallery setting. Refer to the pictures on www.ikenobokebana.com. The event is advertised nationally and thousands of visitors enjoy the Grand Exhibition each year – Don’t Miss It !
45-minute Japanese Cultural Program from NHK Interviewing Senko Ikenobo, Headmaster Designate, with pictures of the Rokkakudo Temple, the Ikenobo Institute, Exhibitions in Kyoto, Floral Practice and other events (It is in Japanese only but the photos are great). Expereience what Ikenobo is like in Kyoto Japan. Click on the Arrow.
Two-day Workshops with Special Visiting Professors from Japan
Local Professor Workshops Monthly
Remote Learning Oppotunitites with Video Lessons, Real time Zoom Classes and Zoom Sessions. Attend one today. Email: IkenoboIkebana@hotmail.com
Special Member Workshops and Symposia around the US.
Demonstration by Sen'ei Ikenobo (Translated into English - click on the arrow).
United Nations Prayer for Peace Demonstration by Ikenobo. 550th Anniversary (Translated in English - Click on the Arrow).
(Click on the photo to display the image in stop motion full screen mode).
The 10 Steps to Beautiful IKEBANA
Learn the "way of flowers"-Kado at Ikenobo below
The 10 Steps to Beautiful IKEBANA
Learn the "way of flowers"-Kado at Ikenobo below
10. FREE TRIAL LESSONS -
If you still are unsure about how to start your path of learning Ikenobo we invite you to attend One lesson for free - only pay the flower cost for your first lesson. We invite everyone and anyone to attend a trial lesson so you can experience all the benefits Ikenobo has to offer. Sign up today. IkenoboIkebana@hotmail.com or call 303-264-4287.
10. FREE TRIAL LESSONS -
If you still are unsure about how to start your path of learning Ikenobo we invite you to attend One lesson for free - only pay the flower cost for your first lesson. We invite everyone and anyone to attend a trial lesson so you can experience all the benefits Ikenobo has to offer. Sign up today. IkenoboIkebana@hotmail.com or call 303-264-4287.
If you still are unsure about how to start your path of learning Ikenobo we invite you to attend One lesson for free - only pay the flower cost for your first lesson. We invite everyone and anyone to attend a trial lesson so you can experience all the benefits Ikenobo has to offer. Sign up today. IkenoboIkebana@hotmail.com or call 303-264-4287.
In the introduction of the Omaki Scroll we find one of the guiding principals of Ikenobo: "from ancient times people piled up flowers. But such arrangements were limited to the insertion of flowers, without fully understanding the inner character of plants." In a room (Temple Dojo), using many leaves and some flowers, our school of tradition (Ikenobo) aims at bringing out the natrual form of each material of fields, mountains, and ponds, based on the beauty of the original impression given to us by each plant. Started by our ancestors, this way of flower arrangement (kado) has spread and is widely enjoyed"
Headmaster Senno Ikenobo, 1573 AD
"We should treat flowers as living things, as life." We should respect the life of plants, the Shussho, and arrange accordingly. Crafting with flowers is not Ikebana by any stretch of the Imagination. "
" In Ikenobo we arrange "Unconstrained Beauty" - which means we should not disregard the intrinsic characteristics of plants by forcefully distoring their shape."
"Every plant grows toward the iight. We, as Ikenobo practiticioners, should make the most of plants' natural appearance. If you find a branch stretching rightward that is appealing, and decide to use the branch as a material in your Ikenobo work, you should arrange that branch to extend rightward. What is important is to look at plants as they are with an unconstrained mind, without reflecting our own desire."
45th Headmaster Sen'ei Ikenobo
COLORADO CHAPTER
NEWS AND EVENTS
COLORADO CHAPTER
NEWS AND EVENTS
while the snow remains
Veiled in the haze
a virtuous vestive
A leafless branch
Flowers are only flowers
becuase they fall
Thankfully , the six fold wind
while the snow remains
Veiled in the haze
a virtuous vestive
A leafless branch
Flowers are only flowers
becuase they fall
Thankfully , the six fold wind
Omoto for Hatsu-ike celebration
(picture from previous workshop)
Omoto for Hatsu-ike celebration
(picture from previous workshop)
Register Online ABOVE
Register Online ABOVE
Chinese Three Friends of Winter
Shochikubai
(picture from previous workshop)
Chinese Three Friends of Winter
Shochikubai
(picture from previous workshop)
Name: Kirsten CChapter: Official Colorado Chapter USA
Years studying: 13
Ikebana study opens my eyes to Japanese culture. For generations these New Year colors and foliage have been used. The cedrus atlantica (Atlas Cedar) has a weeping form that complements the festive blue bottle
Name: Kirsten C
Ikebana study opens my eyes to Japanese culture. For generations these New Year colors and foliage have been used. The cedrus atlantica (Atlas Cedar) has a weeping form that complements the festive blue bottle
Chapter: Official Colorado Chapter USA
Years studying: 13
Ikebana study opens my eyes to Japanese culture. For generations these New Year colors and foliage have been used. The cedrus atlantica (Atlas Cedar) has a weeping form that complements the festive blue bottle
Name: Malleva A
Chapter: Official Colorado Chapter USA
Years studying: 10
Our ikebana class had a workshop to make dried materials to use in the challenge for the November issue of the Ikenobo Magazine. Using a pasta machine, the Professor showed us the process to make the stiff and thick flax leaves into a lace-like, bendable material. Unlike pasta that comes out of the machine in strips, the flax leaves were not cut all the way through. When you stretch the strips apart, there are uncut fibers that hold them together that form the lace-like pattern. The stretched leaves were air-dried for a couple of weeks held into graceful shapes with clothespins.
Name: Malleva A
Chapter: Official Colorado Chapter USA
Years studying: 10
Years studying: 10
Our ikebana class had a workshop to make dried materials to use in the challenge for the November issue of the Ikenobo Magazine. Using a pasta machine, the Professor showed us the process to make the stiff and thick flax leaves into a lace-like, bendable material. Unlike pasta that comes out of the machine in strips, the flax leaves were not cut all the way through. When you stretch the strips apart, there are uncut fibers that hold them together that form the lace-like pattern. The stretched leaves were air-dried for a couple of weeks held into graceful shapes with clothespins.
CONGRATULATIONS !!!!
Colorado Chapter Members won the Ikenobo Monthly Challenge and had their entries published in the International Ikenobo Magazine.
CONGRATULATIONS !!!!
Colorado Chapter Members won the Ikenobo Monthly Challenge and had their entries published in the International Ikenobo Magazine.
Name: Hanh TChapter: Official Colorado Chapter USAYears studying: 16Materials: Roses, Curculigo, Foxtail fern, Sword fern, Flax, Philodendron and Euphorbia
Our Ikebana teacher challenged us to modernize the traditional Rikka Shofutai with roses as main material in this arrangement. The surrounding vibrant yellow is anchored with bold red at the center to bring up the contrast and contemporary. The straight lines of the rose stem are soften by the curve of curculigo and flax leaves as well as other Yakueda materials for harmony, balance, depth and completeness.
It was difficult to arrange Rikka Shofutai with commercial available roses but I tried.
Name: Hanh T
Chapter: Official Colorado Chapter USA
Years studying: 16
Materials: Roses, Curculigo, Foxtail fern, Sword fern, Flax, Philodendron and Euphorbia
Our Ikebana teacher challenged us to modernize the traditional Rikka Shofutai with roses as main material in this arrangement. The surrounding vibrant yellow is anchored with bold red at the center to bring up the contrast and contemporary. The straight lines of the rose stem are soften by the curve of curculigo and flax leaves as well as other Yakueda materials for harmony, balance, depth and completeness.
It was difficult to arrange Rikka Shofutai with commercial available roses but I tried.
HEADMASTER SEN'EI IKENOBO
Visits AmericaSept. 10 & 11, 2023
HEADMASTER SEN'EI IKENOBO
Visits America
Sept. 10 & 11, 2023
SEPTEMBER 1-7, 2023
DENVER ART MUSEUM
PROFESSOR KOBAYASHI VISITS DENVER
PROFESSOR KOBAYASHI VISITS DENVER
A Photo Essay by Dan
A Photo Essay by Dan
Teacher Tribute
Teacher Tribute
Today was my American Ikenobo Teachers birthday, July 5. Those who knew her called her a real Firecracker. She was the highest ranked Ikenobo Professor in America ever and received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, from Emperor Hirohito and a National Medal for Education from the President of the United States for her work in teaching Ikenobo for over 70 years.
My teacher held the Ikekomi position #1 in CA and every year we had the esteemed opportunity of making arrangements for the Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco. The Headmaster Sen'ei Ikenobo had specially designed display alcoves finely crafted in Japan, dissassembled, and shipped to America for the Ikenobo Office in San Francisco's Japan Town. Each year my teacher and I had the honor of using the Headmaster's beautiful display windows for our arrangments. It is a long cherrished memory I thought I would share with those who had never had the priviledge of seeing the Headmaster's windows.
Enjoy !!!!
Photo Capture!
Photo Capture!