Category Archives: Ikebana

Small Successes in My Ikebana Studies in Tokyo 4

Posted on December 8, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

4—[15] Keeping in Mind the view from Above Japanese witch hazel (Hamamalis japonica) branches and cosmos (Cosmos), also known as the cherry blossoms of autumn in Japan, in a two-toned blue container with five openings. In an arrangement for a … Continue reading →

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Small Successes in my Ikebana Studies in Tokyo 3

Posted on November 26, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

4—[14] Keeping in Mind the View from Below Asparagus fern and mauve Phalaenopsis orchids in a three-throated, cream-coloured, tubular vase. Some arrangements are placed above eye level and the composition must reflect that point of view.

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Small Successes in My Ikebana Studies in Tokyo 2

Posted on November 24, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

4—[12] Focusing on the Uses of Water Fruiting Mikan (Citrus unshiu, or satsuma mandarin) and Pincushion Protea (Leucospermum) in a brown pottery suiban (flat dish). Not fixed with a kenzan (spiky frog). In this arrangement attention is given to the … Continue reading →

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Small Successes in My Ikebana Studies in Tokyo 1

Posted on November 23, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

4—[8] Simplified arrangement Japanese winterberry (Illix serrata) in a red vase with two throats The objective of the arrangement is to manipulate the material by cutting, bending and removing unnecessary parts until nothing more can be removed. The ultimate aim … Continue reading →

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Ikebana Progress

Posted on November 22, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

It’s almost possible to forget that I am in Tokyo—glorious autumnal Tokyo—to study ikebana. Classes ended for an extended period between the 20th and 29th of October due to a major exhibition at month’s end. Given that amount of time … Continue reading →

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When Everything Claps

Posted on October 23, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

In Plautdietsch or Low German, a language used among Mennonites for more than 500 years, there’s a saying: Daut klaupt aules. Meaning everything claps. In English we say everything clicks to describe such a state of convergence. Monday’s International Class … Continue reading →

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My Tokyo Teachers: A Tribute

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

The Sogetsu Kaikan classrooms overlook the Akasaka Imperial Property, Tokyo’s distant towers and the skies beyond. In addition to mind-expanding vistas, the rooms provide all material resources required for any kind of ikebana design. The school offers an International Class … Continue reading →

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Getting Back to Ikebana in Victoria

Posted on March 18, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

I’ve been adrift since returning from Tokyo. Hence, no posts. My mind has refused to settle on anything to say. Many times I thought to get back to the untold stories from my time away, but there was never a … Continue reading →

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