Sogetsu Style Flower Arrangements By Chisato Motoi While the placement of flowers in a vase requires an eye for aesthetics,

many arrangers understand that this process can contain important cultural elements. The Japanese art of Ikebana serves as one of the most popular methods of advanced flower arranging. Meaning flowers kept alive, Ikebana was created centuries ago by a Buddhist priest, Ikenobo Senkei. Over time, Ikebana diverged into different categories, including Sogetsu. A modern form of Ikebana, the Sogetsu school emerged in the 1920s, the inspiration of Teshigahara Sofu. It expanded to America after World War II, when wives of United States service members found the art relaxing and beautiful. Sogetsu focuses on three typical stem positions: the Shin, the Soe, and the Hikae. The Shin, truth, serves as the center of the base. The Soe, support, aids the Shin. The Hikae, moderating, functions as a second assistant to the Shin. Easy patterns are available for beginners. About the Author: Chisato Motoi enjoys arranging flowers in the Sogetsu style.