Peonies and Hosta Leaves, Again...

Well, the peony season is on and today's theme in my Ikebana class is hosta leaves. So I come up with this yet another classical arrangement using hosta leaves with peonies in two seperate kenzans. 

For another similar arrangement, check this earlier post in Turkish.

Both the various types of hosta and the pink peonies with their buds are so very beautiful, it is almost impossible to arrange them wrong. However, I gave quite attention to keep the empty space between the two parts of the arrangement while ensuring their harmonious integration as I was thinking about the Sofu Teshigara's words that I encountered in the inspiring and resourceful blog of Nordic Lotus:

"Ikebana is the art of space - the space between the branches, the space between flowers and leaves and the space between masses. In other words, the space between the branches and flowers comes alive. This space is a plentiful void projecting tension and power."  
Sofu Teshigara, Founder of Sogetsu School

When I was back home, I also couldn't resist to use the leftover leaves and flowers in this small arrangement to lighten up my room. I used one of my favorite wheel-thrown ceramic vases that I made in Beatrice's studio in deep blue.