Enjoy the first in a series of seasonal demonstrations of ikebana co-presented by Japan House London during your visit to the Japan: Courts and Culture exhibition at The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace.

Ikebana, often translated as ‘giving life to flowers’, is the Japanese art of floral design, also known as kadō (lit. ‘the way of flowers’). In ikebana, cut stems, leaves and flowers of seasonal plants are arranged in vases and other vessels, creating an aesthetic balance between the flowers, vessel and the surrounding space.

The first demonstration in the series is led by Kikuchi Junko, professor and teacher of Ikenobō, the oldest and largest school of ikebana. During the event, Kikuchi Junko gives an introduction to Ikenobō ikebana and creates a selection of floral arrangements, explaining the central concepts of each style. Guests are encouraged to ask questions during the demonstration.

Following the event, the arrangements will remain on display in the Millar Learning Room at The Queen’s Gallery for visitors to the exhibition to enjoy until Sunday 12 June.

Entry to the demonstration is included with standard admission to the exhibition Japan: Courts and Culture. Bringing together highlights from the Royal Collection’s outstanding collection of Japanese art and design, the exhibition tells the story of 300 years of diplomatic, artistic and cultural exchange between the British and Japanese royal and imperial families. The exhibition is on display at The Queen’s Gallery Buckingham Palace until 26 February 2023.

Tickets for the exhibition can be purchased directly on The Queen’s Gallery website. They are valid for one year if converted to a 1-Year Pass. Terms and conditions apply.

About the speaker

Kikuchi Junko has studied Japanese floral art for 40 years and is a professor of the Ikenobō School of Ikebana. Originally from Tokyo, her passion for ikebana started aged 15 with the Sōgetsu School. She then switched to the Ikenobō School and qualified as an Ikenobō instructor in 1982. She became a professor of Ikenobō School in 2000 and was awarded the most senior professor diploma in 2016. She has taught ikebana in the UK for over 20 years and still regularly attends ikebana seminars at the Ikenobō headquarters at Rokkaku-dō Temple in Kyoto. She was elected as President of Ikebana International London Chapter 2010-2013 and in 2012 she founded the Ikenobō Hananowa London Study Group.