Sogetsu
History
The Sogetsu School of Ikebana was founded in 1927 by Sofu Teshigahara. Sofu Teshigahara was born in Tokyo in 1900 and was the eldest son of a family that had been involved in the traditional arts for generations. He was exposed to the world of ikebana from a young age, as his father was a master of the traditional Japanese art form. Sofu was not satisfied with the rigid, traditional styles of ikebana that were prevalent at the time and sought to create a new style of ikebana that was more in tune with the modern era. This led to the establishment of the Sogetsu School, which aimed to break away from the constraints of traditional ikebana and promote a more free and creative approach to the art form.
Philosophy
The philosophy of the Sogetsu School is based on the belief that ikebana is a creative expression that can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere, and at any time. This philosophy is encapsulated in the school's motto: "Sogetsu Ikebana can be created anytime, anywhere, by anyone with any kind of material." This approach to ikebana is a departure from the more traditional schools, which often have strict rules and guidelines that must be followed. The Sogetsu School encourages individuality and creativity, allowing practitioners to express themselves through their arrangements.
Techniques
The Sogetsu School teaches a variety of techniques that allow practitioners to create unique and expressive arrangements. These techniques include the use of unconventional materials, such as metal and plastic, and the incorporation of non-traditional elements, such as light and sound. The school also encourages the use of space in arrangements, believing that the empty spaces between elements are just as important as the elements themselves. The Sogetsu School also places a strong emphasis on the use of color, with practitioners often using bold and contrasting colors to create striking arrangements.
Influence
The Sogetsu School has had a significant influence on the world of ikebana and has contributed to the modernization of the art form. The school's innovative approach to ikebana has been embraced by practitioners around the world, and its teachings have been incorporated into many other schools of ikebana. The Sogetsu School has also played a role in promoting ikebana internationally, with branches and study groups established in many countries outside of Japan.
Notable Practitioners
There have been many notable practitioners of Sogetsu Ikebana, including Sofu Teshigahara's daughter, Akane Teshigahara, who currently serves as the school's iemoto, or headmaster. Other notable practitioners include Hiroshi Teshigahara, Sofu's son and a renowned film director, and Kasumi Teshigahara, Sofu's granddaughter and a prominent ikebana artist in her own right.