Flowers are a welcome mood and room brightener and maybe never as coveted as on these last few days/weeks(?!) of winter.  I am always on the lookout for new ideas and inspiration for a display of flowers, whether they are store bought or home grown or a combination thereof.  Bouquets (below) with unexpected elements are such a nice surprise.

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Flowers – they transport us, romance us, amaze us. They make us smile and swoon. Who could live without them?

—Charlotte Moss, designer

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So I was excited to receive an invitation from Tuttle Publishing to read their new book, Japanese Ikebana for Every Season,  by Rie Imai and Yuji Ueno, and asked to post my thoughts.

I really enjoyed this book as my recollection of ikebana was of a far different style than the arrangements shared herein.  The classic ikebana arrangement should look natural, something I lean towards where flower arrangements are concerned.  But I used to think of ikebana arrangements as stark and possibly a little too modern for my tastes.  Clearly, this doesn’t have to be the case, for this pair of talented artists (the authors) have introduced a new view of ikebana.

Author Rie Imai is an accomplished “lifestyle coordinator” in Japan, with a focus on interior design and flowers.  During her time in the United State Ms. Imai completed floral design course work at   Parsons New School for Design, New York and at City College in San Francisco.  She has traveled extensively and has mastered blending the cultural aesthetics of modern and traditional, as well as Eastern and Western influences into her floral designs.

Her co-author, Yuji Ueno, is an independent floral artist.  The book’s introduction to Mr. Ueno says it best, “…Yuji has created a style not linked to any recognized Japanese ikebana school…he has found the freedom to chart his own course.”  He has a personal website where you will find further inspiration.

In addition to some spectacular examples of the new ikebana, the book offers detailed words and illustrations on water absorption, cutting  and maintenance techniques; there are helpful tips on stabilizing, shaping and trimming which can assure your success as you embark on creating your own flower arrangements.

There are great ideas for each season, using items from the yard as well as what you can buy.  As with any floral arrangement, it’s the unexpected that catches my eye and presents a need to study exactly what has been included.

The photography for the book was done by Noboru Murata, one of Japan’s most accomplished photographers.  

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The book will be a welcome reference to anyone who enjoys flowers in the home, and who doesn’t?

{Thanks to Tuttle Publishing for contacting me and providing me with Japanese Ikebana for Every Season}

Spring officially arrives on March 20th.  Happy Spring, just a little early!