Fascinating world of Ikebana

LAST week, we had a chance

to meet the Ikebana flower

people at the Ikenobo exhibit in

Glorietta 4.

Once again, we felt we were

transported to a special place.

It was not just because the

venue was on the sixth floor of Oakwood Premier apartelle

where one could escape from the hustle and bustle of Makati's

business district.

Ikebana folks are in a world of their own where they talk about

fascinating terms we don't understand, words like "shin," "soe,"

and "tai."

"Those are words for Ikebana's three basic elements - heaven,

man, and earth" explained Ikenobo president Serapion Metilla

who guided us in the exhibit.

While touring, Metilla confided to us. "We're disappointed that

Mayor Elenita Binay did not honor our invitation to formally

open the show. It would have been an occasion to present to

her our special guest, the famous Ikebana master, Professor

Nobu Kurashige."

Professor Nobu, we were told, introduced Ikenobo Ikebana to

more than 30 countries. "She is world famous and holds a high

position in the Ikenobo Society of Floral Arts," Metilla added.

'Hut near the pond'

Metilla interpreted each exhibit, at the same time giving us a

brief lecture on the basics of Ikenobo.

He said the Ikebana history began with Ikenobo which brought

together traditional and modern styles. It had its origin in 587

A.D. beside a garden pool where a priest started making flower

arrangements. Hence, the word Ikenobo means "hut near the

pond" and Ikebana means "living plant material in water."

The Prince at that time was a fervent Buddhist reformer who

loved flowers. He encouraged the priest to offer flowers

morning and evening to the gods at the altars. Thus originated

Ikenobo-Ikebana and hundreds of schools that evolved 500

years later.

"Ikenobo students start with the basic styles: Moribana which

is arranging flowers in low bowl or vase, and Nageire for tall

vase arrangement," Metilla explained.

For Moribana, the kenzan flower holder is used. He showed us

the kenzan, a small metal object with protruding nails on which

to stick the flower stalks.

"Criss-crossed splints or soegi and kubari are used in Nageire

to hold flowers in place," Metilla explained.

To become a full-fledged member of Ikebana, one has to study

the basics under an expert. Experts earn their license by going

through several trainings or attending Ikebana schools, mostly

abroad.

Formalities

We noticed that unlike other flower and garden shows, the

Ikenobo-Ikebana exhibits do not have mass appeal. For one, the

Oakwood show was evidently a

please-no-slippers-no-undershirt affair, not that the hotel

security was strict.

All the flower arrangements were stark, not the usual massive

assortment that is popular at the shops. The Ikebana artists

used the barest essentials, no more than five flowers in most of

the presentation. No elaborate vases, too.

Even in the wildest flower arrangement called free style,

simplicity was the rule. Every leaf and flower has a definite

place. And the placing of materials evidently followed

prescribed lines, height, and position.

Male members

It is not true that the flower society and the audience that view

Ikebana exhibits are all women. More men are joining up, Metilla

said.

We remember meeting member Ricardo Jose Vasquez at

Oakwood. His exhibit featured a free-style arrangement with

Ophiopogon, umbrella plant stalk, lilium, and coffee beans.

Administrator Eli Gardiner was there as guest. He discussed

plans for overseas workers to learn the art of Ikebana as a

source of livelihood, and to add to their skills.

The Ikenobo Ikebana Society was organized in 1982 from a

study group headed byMelissa Ignacio. It became a charter

organization in 1984 with Tita del Rosario as founding president.

Other presidents included Hortense Sobrevinas, Felicidad

Nuguid, John Go Hoc, Dolores Mozo and now, Metilla.

The society members meet every fourth Tuesday of the month.

Some of them attend exhibits, conferences, and training

workshops abroad. Every now and then, the international

headquarter in Kyoto, Japan sends visiting professors to

conduct seminar workshops here.

During meetings, they talk about flowers and new trends.

They're happy to entertain guests, said Metilla, even

non-Ikebana folks who don't understand the language of shin,

soe and tai.