Meeting Schedule

Morning Workshop 10:00 a.m.

Shoka Shimputai

Taught by Assistant Ikenobo Professor (3rd grade), Pat Langs

Our October lesson will be Shoka Shimputai hopefully using our garden and home materials.  Only 3 types of materials are required. They can be garden material or houseplants, or purchased flowers.

Shoka Shimputai employs 3 materials, used either singly or in groupings.  The first material is Shu (branch or flower material).  The second is Yo (branch or flower material). The third material is ashirai. Shu and Yo are chosen for their inherent beauty by themselves.  They are also chosen because they create an enhanced beauty when combined.  The ashirai serves to enhance the marriage between Shu and Yo.  Neither is dominant – they are both strong and happy in their own shussho (intrinsic, specific properties of plants).  

The elements of design include:

• Feeling of life 

• Synergy of Shu/Yo – contrasting qualities enhancing each other

• Spirit of harmony

• Ashirai should not overpower Shu or Yo

• Creation of “unexpected beauty”

 Another way to think of the features of shimputai:

• Brightness – color

• Sharpness – shape/movement

• Distinctiveness - Contrast

Container: While an open, funnel shape is preferred for a vase, shimputai can be arranged in any vase that will enhance the relationship between plant material and the vase.  Bowls work well. 

Floral Materials: Materials from the garden are encouraged, but store-bought (flowers/leaves/branches) may also be used.  Amounts of each material is up to you. Choose 3 different materials.

It is important that the 3 materials fit well together; i.e., strong with strong, tender with tender.

Supply Checklist:

• 1 Kenzan (about 3" diameter)

• Watering can

• Hasami (floral shears)

• Flower bucket

• Container to carry home arrangement

• Plastic or newspaper to cover work area

• Cloth for clean-up