Sogetsu Ikebana

History of Sogetsu

Sogetsu School was established in 1927 by Sofu Teshigahara, the first Iemoto. Sofu believed that Ikebana should be both enjoyable and creative. It is deeply rooted in Japanese tradition yet meeting the requirements of the modern age.

• The second Iemoto, Kasumi Techigahara was the first daughter of Sofu. She started her career as an Ikebana artist after World War II. The elegance of her feminine, yet dynamic works charmed many overseas enthusiasts of Ikebana. Unfortunately her career was cut short by her early death in 1980.

• The third Iemoto, Hiroshi Techigahara was the first son of Sofu Teshigahara. The huge installations with bamboo he created had major repercussions in Japan and overseas. He was a movie director and also active as an art director for opera, stage and film and a potter.

• The fourth Iemoto, the current one, Akane Teshigahara is the daughter of Hiroshi. She said “I enjoy Ikebana because my expression will be different depending on time and place in spite of my using the same container and material.”

Study Sogetsu Ikebana

The study of Sogetsu Ikebana is based on the textbooks which were developed in 1983. It consists of “Sogetsu Textbook 1 & 2” and Sogetsu Textbook 3 &4.” Each textbook contains 20 lessons and could be finished in about 6 months or longer. They cover all the necessary basics for beginners to enjoy acquiring skills thru actual interaction with flowers.

Upon completion of each textbook, application can be made for the Certificate. For example, after Textbook I, the First Certificate; Textbook 2, the Second Certificate; Textbook 3, the Third Certificate; Textbook 4, the Fourth Certificate. After completing all the studies of the four curricula, Ikebana lessons continue for “acquisition of a Teacher’s Diploma.”

There are 8 grades in the Teacher’s Diploma:

• Teacher’s Diploma 4^th Grade

• Teacher’s Diploma 3^rd Grace

• Teacher’s Diploma 2^nd Grade Sanjo

• Teacher’s Diploma 2^nd Grade Jonin Sanjo

• Teacher’s Diploma 1^st Grade Somu

• Teacher’s Diploma 1^st Grade Jonin Somu

• Teacher’s Diploma 1^st Grade Komon

• Teacher’s Diploma 1^st Grade Riji