What is Ikebana?
Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Its history dates from the 14th Century. Over the centuries many schools of Ikebana have developed, each with its own unique style, but sharing its inspirations, philosophy, history and techniques, some classical, others naturalistic or creative but all with a deep understanding of the wonders of nature.
What is Ikebana International?
Ikebana International is a non profit, cultural organisation, made up of members from all nationalities who are dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of Ikebana. When Ikebana International was founded in 1956 by the late Ellen Gordon Allan in Japan, her dream was to create an organisation uniting the peoples of the world through their mutual love of nature and the enjoyment of flowers. That dream has spread and Ikebana International now has a membership of approximately 8,500 and 165 chapters in over 60 countries around the world. A unique feature of this organisation is that it is a successful, growing organisation founded by and still administered by enthusiastic volunteers.
The headquarters is based in Japan and can be contacted on http://www.ikebanahq.org/.
