About this Event
Join us for a rare opportunity to experience the beauty and philosophy of Ohara Ikebana, an elegant floral art form with roots tracing back to Unshin Ohara's designs that reflect the country's deep appreciation for nature.
Founded in 1895, Ohara's inspiration was not only the beauty of Japanese wildflowers but also the newly introduced exotic flowers from overseas. To express these flowers in a natural and dynamic way, he developed Moribana, meaning "arranging flowers in a water basin", and innovative style that captures the changing scenery of the four seasons using shallow containers.
This innovative approach not only preserved the principles of Ikebana but also resonated with the evolving aesthetics of modern living spaces. Each headmaster has introduced new styles, while staying true to the school's philosophy of celebrating seasonal beauty, natural growth, and harmony with the environment.
Ohara sensei Jose Salcedo, from Los Angeles CA will design an awe-inspiring display of arrangements using flowers and branches to demonstrate how the language of Ohara Ikebana has evolved from its classical origins to the dynamic expressions of the modern era.
Immerse yourself in this unique opportunity to witness the captivating history and artistic journey of Ohara Ikebana.
This program is a collaboration with the New York Botanical Garden. Visit the Garden while before or after the demonstration!
Jose Salcedo
Mr. Jose Salcedo, raised in L.A. has a B.A. in Physics and an M.S. in Computer Engineering. He retired in 2020 as a Senior Software Engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena.
And how did he get to Ikebana from NASA? When he first viewed an Ikenobo Rikka style arrangement in 1988, he was mesmerized by the arrangement’s movement, and knew he needed to learn how to create it. He began lessons in Ikebana the following week.
Eight months later, while walking through the LA Chapter of Ikebana International’s annual exhibition. he saw an arrangement that had a Japanese maple leaf flowing in the water. He was immediately transported back to a Japanese garden he had seen in Britain. That single arrangement convinced him to study Ohara Ikebana. He began his lessons with Grand Master Reiko Kawamura soon after.
Salcedo has been president of the Ikebana International (II) Los Angeles Chapter #4 twice. He has served on the boards of the Ikenobo Society of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Chapter of Ohara. Also a member of the Ikebana Teacher’s Association of Southern California for 30 years, he has participated in numerous exhibitions and demonstrations throughout his ikebana career. This has included travel throughout the USA and Canada, including giving the Ohara demonstration at II’s North and Central American Regional Conference in 2019.
Mr. Salcedo began teaching in 1997, doing both Ohara style and Ikenobo style classes. He continues to travel to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka to study.
Ikebana International (I.I.) is a worldwide non-profit organization founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1956, with members from more than 50 countries; Ikebana International New York Chapter (I.I.NY) is one of 250 chapters worldwide.
I.I.NY is administered by enthusiastic volunteers of many different nationalities and Ikebana Schools. Some of the Schools stress classic style, others focus on creative, contemporary forms, and some blend the two; each school is different, yet each is openly sharing in its inspirations, styles, philosophy, history, and techniques. We encourage you to become a member of I.I.NY, so you will have more opportunities to participate in our programs and communicate with Ikebana talents and enthusiasts from Ichiyo, Ikenobo, Sogetsu, Ohara, and many other Ikebana schools.
Please follow Ikebana International New York Chapter on Facebook and Instagram for more ikebana programs.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
New York Botanical Garden - Ross Hall, 2950 Southern Boulevard, The Bronx, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 43.45
