05-18-24 Shoka Shofutai, Futakabu-ike

Celebrating Margaret Michel: A Lifetime of Dedication and Service to Ikenobo and the Arizona Chapter

Margaret Michel has been awarded a lifetime honorary membership in recognition of her many years of dedicated service and unwavering support of Ikenobo and the Arizona Chapter. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Margaret for all her hard work and the many ways she has touched our lives. Her legacy of service is an inspiration to us all.  We look forward to many more years of her wisdom and enthusiasm.

Thank you, Margaret, for everything you do!

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Honoring Yuki Kataoka

Before the start of our May workshop, we had the pleasure of celebrating a significant achievement within our chapter. Yuki Kataoka was awarded her 8th and 9th level certificates in Ikenobo Ikebana, a testament to her dedication and skill in the art of Japanese flower arranging. Her work beautifully reflects the hard work and passion she has invested in her craft. Congratulations, Yuki, on this well-deserved achievement!

A Large and Enthusiastic Gathering

Our May workshop saw a large and enthusiastic group of participants, all eager to learn and create. The focus of this session was the futakabu-ike, a two-group arrangement traditionally presented in a low, wide basin.

Insights from Sensei Lauren Toth

Before we began our hands-on work, Sensei Lauren Toth delivered an insightful lecture on the nuances of futakabu-ike. She explained that this arrangement can be categorized into two types: gyodo-ike, which divides water plants into groups, and suiriku-ike, where land and water plants are positioned separately.

Given that land plants are more readily available in Arizona, we opted to create a suiriku-ike futakabu-ike. In this arrangement, the land group, known as shin and soe or o’kabu, is positioned toward the rear of the vase. It includes a tai-za, which suggests where the tai would be in a shoka arrangement. The water group, called me-kabu, is placed laterally and forward of the o’kabu and includes a lightly arranged stem called soe-za, positioned where the soe would normally be.

Balancing the Arrangement

To maintain balance, it’s crucial that both the tai-za and soe-za are not too heavy or large. A rock is traditionally placed in front of the o’kabu to designate the land group. The choice of stone varies with the seasons: a greenish stone in spring, black in summer, and red in autumn.

A Memorable Workshop

Our last workshop before the summer break was a great success, enjoyed by all attendees. The combination of Yuki Kataoka’s recognition, Sensei Toth’s enlightening lecture, and the hands-on creation of the suiriku-ike futakabu-ike made it a memorable event.

We hope you enjoy the photos from the workshop and look forward to seeing everyone again after the summer break.