"Gong Xi Fa Cai with Ohara"
An Ohara Ikebana workshop cum lunch in celebration of Chinese New Year 2017
Facilitator: Datin Ong Kid Ching
Date: 10th Jan 2017 (Tuesday)
Venue: No 3, Jalan Belinjau,Taman Melodies, Johor Bahru
Cost: RM50 per pax (Members only)
Inclusive of lunch and all materials. Please bring your own secateurs.
Cuisine: Peranakan (Nyonya Food)
Time: 11 AM to 2.30 PM
Dress Code: A touch of firecrackers red!
Program: Join us to make 2 different Ohara-style Chinese New Year arrangements using the same materials in the same container!
Date: 21st March 2017 (Tuesday)
Cost: To be advised (Members only)
Time: 7.30 AM to 6.00 PM
As we had just completed our beautifully presented and well-attended exhibition in October 2016 at the White Box in Medini Mall, the Chapter Board has decided not to 'tax' our members by having another exhibition!!
Instead, we are planning to have an outing - A Day Trip to A Nursery in Yong Peng, lunch cum Ikebana Workshop in Aw Pottery at Tea time on Tuesday,
Please make yourself free on the said date for this interesting program !
All details will follow nearer the date.
Message from Our President
“Autumn asks that we prepare for the future – that we be wise in the ways of garnering and keeping. But it also asks that we learn to let go – to acknowledge the beauty of sparseness.”
In the month of October, I was in Melbourne.
Mrs. Serena Ho, an accomplished Ikenobo practitioner had invited me to attend an ikebana exhibition comprising of 3 schools namely Ikenobo, Ichiyo and Sogetsu. Although it was a small exhibition the exhibits were exquisite.
When I came back, Mrs. Serena Ho was our special demonstrator at our “Ikenobo at Home – in celebration of Deepavali”. It was a very well-received event. Mrs. Ho’s demonstration was excellent. It was almost like a full lesson on Ikenobo in one day. I requested her to put her works into writing to allow it to be recorded in this newsletter for our reading pleasure!
In November, I hiked the Nakasendo Way – the centuries-old highway at the heart of feudal Japan in the mid of autumn. The weather was beautiful and the scenery breathtaking with autumn colors in full splendor.
At the end of the hike, I arrived in Kyoto just in time to catch the large scale Ikenobo Tanabata exhibition in Takashimaya Departmental store. They were more than 130 exhibits, ranging from the majestic traditional Rikka to the elegant and dainty freestyles. They were really a feast for the eyes.
I have been immersed in Ikenobo this last 2 months and it has been most interesting enjoying beautiful works from a different Ikebana school.
On Tuesday 22 nd November – we had “Yuletide with Josephine Chia” – a Sogetsu ikebana demonstration.
We had such a fun and happy pre-Christmas party. All attended enjoyed themselves thoroughly.
Mrs Goh Choo Saik has recorded the whole event in her article below.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to the entire Board for organizing both the above programs so efficiently while I was away.
Before I end, please book your places early for “Chinese New Year Workshop the Ohara Way” in January 2017 and our Annual Excursion in March 2017 (in place of the Annual Exhibition) to avoid disappointment, as we will have limited places for both the events.
Friendship through Flowers,
Datin Ong Kid Ching
President
PAST EVENTS
"Ikenobo at Home"
Special Arrangements
A Free Style design was arranged in a Moon Container to hang from a window connecting the living and the pond to the garden.It was prearranged to welcome guests.
Shoka Shofutai Nishu Ike
Materials: Freesia and Local Iris leaves
As Shoka was used to decorate the alcove to receive guests during the 17th century, a Shoka Shofutai Nishu Ike (meaning using 2 types of materials only) was arranged appropriately at the entrance of the home.
Shoka Shimputai
Materials; Congea, local Iris leaves and eustoma
A style based on Shoka, and created to match contemporary living.
This design was arranged in a living area of modern and classic furniture as this design expressed the splendour of the congea while maintaining the dignity of the traditional shoka.
Materials: Fragrant Willow, curcuma, alocasia, phalaenopsis, dracaena, crotons, heliconia, philodendron, ming ferns, aglaonema, begonia.
This arrangement presented a bright modern feeling in a private sitting area with minimal furniture and enough of space to display a Rika Shimputai, a style transformed from the Rikka Shofutai to match the modern age.
It is expressed by a harmony of tradition and the modern spirit. The contrast in the living materials complement and respond to each other creating the rhythm of life.
Jiyuka or Free StyleTo add a touch of Deepavali to the occasion, peacock feathers which are regarded as an auspicious symbol in Hinduism are used in the arrangement.
It is used to expressed the lines and the cattleya and the anthurium foliage used in mass grouping created a feel of energy.
Hand Tie Bouquet
A structure created by using Indian bangles which is one of the most important ornaments that an Indian woman wears and have always been an inseparable part of the Indian culture.
Blue hydrangeas from Annette's garden complimented with white roses, calathea and dracaena leaves and some Ming ferns are used in this design.
Article by Serena Ho
"Yuletide with Josephine Chia"
A Sogetsu Ikebana Demonstration cum Hi- Tea in Celebration of Christmas 2016
Tuesday 22nd Nov. 2016
Fresh Restaurant, Thistle Hotel
In her welcome address, President Datin Ong Kid Ching wished everyone a Very Merry Christmas.
The festivities then started with the highlight of the afternoon's programme - a Sogetsu Floral Demonstration by Riji Master Ms Josephine Chia. Ms Chia showed off her expertise and creativity in 5 fantastic arrangements. Each arrangement was unique and beautiful.Her choice of material and colours gave the room a really Christmas-sy ambiance. Appreciation of her arrangements was shown in the number of photos taken.
Then followed the fun and games. During tea, Datin Coreen Long conducted Bingo games which everyone enthusiastically participated. By the 5th and last game the noise level had reached a crescendo!
Next, guests and members were pitted table against table to name as many of the plant materials used in the floral centrepiece on each table. The winning table was rewarded with a prize.
The afternoon ended with a Secret Santa where there was an exchange of gifts.
Special thanks go. to Mrs. Lira Tan for organising the sale of items generously donated by our members. Not a single item was left unsold Well done!
Our thanks also to Elle Salon for the lovely door gifts.
