Chrysanthemum Challenge

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums with their countless varieties, colours and shapes are very much appreciated and used in Ikebana. As you may know, it also represents the emperor. The imperial seal of Japan is a yellow chrysanthemum. More details are in this previous post: The Imperial Chrysanthemum.

Although I enjoyed a lot while doing this all-chrysanthemum arrangement, I also find it tough to find the right balance. Creating a mass expression with flowers are usually more challenging than the ones focusing on lines.

Floating Flowers of Misho School

Misho School Floating Flowers
My second arrangement at home

Today, I participated another workshop organized by Ikebana International Geneva Chapter. 

The workshop was given by Regula Maier and Monika Nussberger, teachers of  Misho Ikebana School on October 5th, 2015.

We are told that  'Floating flowers' is a typical arrangement of Misho School dating back to 19th century founded by master Ippo Mishosai.

Arrangement by Agnes Merz

All the flowers and plants should be arranged and secured in their place  in the transparent tall vases before the water added which is quite a challenge since it is not easy to fix the flowers. We used some materials such as invisible nylon wires and tiny plumb weights or aluminium wire mesh or asparagus branches striped from their leaves.

Some arrangements from the workshop

It was a good experience and the large number of participants seemed quite enjoyed learning a new technique from an other Ikebana School to deepen their knowledge and producing pleasing arrangements at the end.

Arrangement by Ms Maier

Red Cascade

Anthurium, Aspidistra,
Euonymus europaeus 'red cascade'
Free style,
inspiration Sogetsu Variation No:4 Hanging Style Nageire