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VOL. 03, NO. 01, June 01, 2009 (Jestha 18 2066)
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Japanese Flowers Arrangements
Organized by Japanese Embassy, large number of Nepalese sees something creative in Ikebana and the Japanese Tea Ceremony
By A CORRESSPONDENT
Till a decade ago, only a few Nepalese know about the Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangements, but it is popular among many people now. Thanks to regular annual programs and training organized at Japanese Embassy, many Nepalese are attracted to Ikebana.
Like in the past years, Japanese Embassy, with the support from Japanese University Alumni Association Nepal, organized Ikebana and Tea Ceremony at the Embassy premises recently. Inaugurated by Madame Ikuko Mizuno, the Japanese ambassador’s wife, the program was arranged with the cooperation of Mrs.Toshiko Nishizawa, who is an experienced instructor of these two Japanese traditions and Japanese culture.
Mrs.Toshiko Nishizawa, who came to Nepal at the end of April to demonstrate Ikebana and the Japanese Tea Ceremony, had shown how can various kinds of flowers, be arranged in systematic manner, and bring them to life. Ikebana is usually translated as the Japanese art of flower arrangement, but the materials of Ikebana can include freshly cut branches, vines, leaves, grasses, berries, fruit, seeds and flowers as well as wilted and dried plants. In fact, anything may be used and in contemporary Ikebana, glass, metal, and plastic are also employed.
Like all forms of arts, the Ikebana also requires concentration as well as creativeness. As one of the traditional arts of Japan, Ikebana has developed a symbolic language as well as decorative concepts and the use of natural, ephemeral flowers and branches makes the dimension of time an integral part of the creation.
“The demonstration of Ikebana and tea ceremony represents the true tradition of Japan. It is an art of Japanese flower arrangement which was practiced in the last 500 years. This represents the long history of Japanese philosophy of sense and beauty,” said Madame Ikuko Mizuno. “Ikebana is more than flowers in a container as it is an art form in which living branches, leaves and grasses blossom and are arranged so that the human and nature are brought together harmoniously. Today this traditional way of maintaining Japanese philosophy is all over the world and loved by many people who are seeking spiritual peace in their hearts and minds. There are many styles of Ikebana, with different philosophies behind each. Buddhist philosophy and strong connection to the natural cycle of birth, growth; decay and rebirth have a deep spiritual value. Today, there are over 3.000 Ikebana schools in Japan with million of students.”
Similarly, the tea ceremony has its own history and cultural value in Japan. One has to follow certain rituals when practicing the Japanese Tea Ceremony. From beginning to end, there are various stages one needs to follow.
“Tea ceremony in Japan back some 800 years. Buddhist monks used tea to help them concentrated during mediation. Rituals were developed around the sharing of the tea ceremony. The host prepares and serves tea and sweets to guests. Both hosts and guests follow,” said Madame Ikuko Mizuno.
In the tea ceremony, to keep the ceremony simple and attractive, there are no wasted moments. This nature demonstrates spiritual aspect of Japanese people and stresses harmony and precise rule designed to keep the ceremony simple and attractive, free of wasted moments. This unique art and culture demonstrates spiritual aspects of Japanese people and stress harmony and coexistence in the unity of the individual and nature.
