by Thanh An
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Class act: Professor Yasuhito instructs students on how to arrange a flower vase. — VNS Photos Thanh An |
HA NOI — Sasaki Yasuhito, a professor of Japanese flower arranging, carefully places each flower of a rose bouquet into a well-decorated vase and to present in a show introducing floral art.
His audiences watch with unwavering concentration as he skillfully moves his hands and they constantly ask how to create spectacular flower vases like his.
Yasuhito has come to Viet Nam several times to conduct workshops on floral art. During his latest visit to Ha Noi he said he had a chance to see many flower shops around the city. "To my surprise, there are not only a lot of flower shops but also many kinds of flowers of all different colours. I was thrilled to see that Vietnamese people have a passion for flower arranging like many nations I have travelled to in the world," said Yasuhito.
He emphasised that the Vietnamese only use flowers and put them into round vases, while the Japanese tend to decorate a vase with both flowers and plants to show balance and harmony.
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It's natural: The art of flower arranging dates back to the 16th century, with many contrasting but complimentary materials expressing the beauty of a natural landscape. |
As a child, he took an interest in flowers and plants after watching his father work in the garden. Yasuhito, who has spent years studying the art of flower arranging, said: "The floral art, meaning ikebana in Japanese, was created 550 years ago. At first, it was owned by monks and represented the spirit of Buddhism. A long time after, it has become part of Japanese culture."
According to him, the ikebana is divided into two basic styles: rikka and shoka, both of which are classical styles and linked with the Japanese art of flower arranging today.
"Rikka originated in the 16th century, with many contrasting but complimentary materials expressing the beauty of the natural landscape. It was enjoyed by people of higher class in the old society to express their wealth. Shoka originated in the 18th century, presenting a bright feeling of lower class and includes simple materials," said Yasuhito.
After explaining the origins of ikebana, he turned to his audience and told a story about his first lesson—the moment he decided to enter the world of ikebana.
He said most of people do not realise that each time they pick a flower, they are taking its life forever. Thus, the flower does not remain as beautiful as it looks when it is "alive", said Yasuhito.
Yasuhito continued: "The main concept of ikebana is plants are also living creatures like human beings. Thus, people should appreciate the life of plants each time they are put into a vase. Ikebana highlights the beauty of nature. In flower arranging, long plants are used to represent the image of mountains, while short ones are used to represent the image of fields and villages underneath."
After a brief introduction to ikebana, Yasuhito began modelling an example of ikebana free style to his audiences. He looks enthusiastic when he shows some visitors how to arrange flowers as well as gives them recommendations after they finish their work.
Listening carefully to Yasuhito's advice, Nguyen Thi Ly, a female guest from the Trung Diep Tea Club, said in excitement that she was completely impressed by the show.
"Professor Yasuhito has taught me a precious lesson and a different view of floral art. In order to create a nice flower pot, you have to learn to appreciate the life of plants just like yours," she said.
Vu Le Quyen, another guest, said: "I think the spirit of ikebana is rising ahead to the sun."
When visitors asked him more about his art, Yasuhito was eager to offer them books for further study. Yasuhito said he was scheduled to conduct workshops in HCM City and Da Nang next month. "I wish to represent Japan's love of nature to the world through ikebana and I hope that the Vietnamese will come to enjoy that kind of culture as well," said Yasuhito. — VNS