I K E B A N A Ike means to arrive at one's true essence through flowers - bana. Ikebana was practised by Buddhist monks in their temples before being adopted by the nobility who developed the art and the technique. Ikebana has expanded to embrace people and people of many countries. The schools represented in Vancouver are: Ikenobo, Sogetsu, Ohara, Sangetsu and Kado Sumi. *All images courtesy of the Vancouver Ikebana Association.

Ikenobo The history of Ikenobo is the history of Ikebana which began over 500 years ago. Headquarters are in Kyoto, Japan and San Francisco in North America. Senei Ikenobo is the 45th Headmaster. Today's styles are Rikka, Shoka, and Free style including Moribana and Nageire. Changes over the centuries in customs and living environments are reflected in the evolution of Ikenobo's Ikebana styles.
Sogetsu Established in 1926 by Sofu Teshigahara, the present headmaster is Akane Teshigahara. The Sogetsu School uses Moribana, Nageire and Free Style methods to create contemporary and traditional arrangements. Various materials are used to create modern effects.
Ohara The Ohara School was officially founded in 1912 by Unshin Ohara. The Ohara School has traditional styles and modern styles: Hana-sho, Moribana, Heika, Rinpa and Bunjin.
Sangetsu The Sangetsu School was officially founded in 1972 to bring paradise on earth through flowers. Basic styles are Moribana, nageire and Korinka (creative, refined forms of beauty).
Kado sumi Stresses the arrangements of natural materials in simple containers to enhance the beauty of line of the branches and colour of the flowers.