Ikebana Class

Yesterday, I went to my first ikebana (flower arranging) class with my landlord's wife, Tanaka-san. The class was held for just the two of us at the ikebana headmaster's apartment, who just happens to live on our block.

My first attempt at arranging was completely wrong. The teacher politely and slowly removed each flower and tree branch and replaced them in more of an ikebana accepted aesthetic manner. She said she knew what I "meant to do." Then, I got to dismantle the whole thing and try again. My second attempt was apparently really good. The only down side is... I have no idea what I did differently. :)

My third attempt was my homework after class. This is the version you see above. I'm pretty sure it does not properly delineate the space. Maybe it is just less impressive looking because we don't have a tokonoma (special alcove in traditional Japanese homes especially for displaying flower arrangements) in our apartment.

The teacher does not speak any English and unless we are planning to discuss basic salutations, ordering food, counting, or telling the time and date... I am useless in Japanese. So, that was interesting. Tanaka-san basically had to translate in both directions. She was amazing!

It is also important to note that chestnuts are well protected by spikes. One shouldn't squeeze them. Seriously.

On a similar note, kenzan are metallic Japanese versions of American flower arranging "frogs". These have sharp spikes which help firmly fix the flowers and branches in place. They also should not be pressed with delicate fingertips.

But, it was a lot of fun. I am looking forward to next class.