Linda Ely, Ikebana International Chapter 1

- GREAT STAIRCASE, STUDY OF TWO PAGES, BY JOSÉ VILLEGAS Y CORDERO, CA. 1882

Photographed by Costola Photography

Florist’s inspiration: This canvas so well represents the Sogetsu Ikebana principles of line, mass and color... line in the legs of the Pages, mass in what they are wearing and

carrying, and color throughout, in the boldness of reds, golds and blue punctuated by swaths of white. My contemporary Ikebana interpretation reflects the dynamism in my use of complementary unconventional and traditional materials. The staging is a marriage of ancient Asian items with mod- ern containers: antique Chinese altar table, Japanese Obi and Asian brass brassiere—a yin and yang approach. The Asian aspects represent the roots of Ikebana and acknowl- edge Ambassador and Mrs. Anderson’s appreciation for Asian art and objects. The modern containers were selected as a counterpoint to the formality of Anderson House. Chry- santhemums (Kiku), are represented in the Japanese Impe- rial Family crest and rank, second only in popularity in Japan to Sakura (cherry blossoms).

Recipe: Roses, chrysanthemums, alstroemeria, Harry Lauder's walking stick and Japanese yew root