On March 5, 2023, Hinamatsuri returned to the Detroit Institute of Arts. This annual cultural festival focuses on celebrating daughters and is also known as Girl’s Day in Japan. Hinamatsuri at the art museum included a wide range of Japanese cultural exhibits, which focused on the traditional arts of Japan. Among the many stations and exhibits was a wonderful selection of flower arrangements created by various artists in the Detroit International Ikebana Chapter 85.
So what is Ikebana? Simply put, it is the art of tastefully arranging and presenting flowers and other natural botanicals. The Ikebana International Detroit Chapter 85 hosts monthly meetings and has options to join and take lessons through their club. Ikebana International was founded in Japan in 1956 and today is found in more than 50 countries with more than 8,000 members worldwide.
For Hinamatsuri, the various arrangements that the club members created were exceptional. Many of these arrangements incorporated more advanced techniques and some whimsical and wonderful elements. One of my favorite elements included in one of the arrangements is a small bird’s nest, which I think is a fitting addition to a flower arrangement for Hinamatsuri.
Several of the arrangements also made use of flowers commonly found in Japanese design, and even in japanese kimono. As he looks through the gallery of arrangements that were on display for Hinamatsuri, do you recognize any of the flowers or botanicals used, and do you have any kimono, Haorior obi that include those flowers?
Ikebana International Detroit Chapter 85, Hinamatsuri 2023
