Unshin Ohara was first studying Ikenobo ikebana in Osaka. In 1895 he came up with a new style called Moribana, using a shallow and wider container and a kenzan. He also used many flowers that started to be imported to Japan after the country opened its doors to the western world.
With his new Moribana style and use of new western flowers, Unshin branched out from Ikenobo and established his own Ohara School in 1910.
At first many people criticized Unshin about his diversion from the traditional ikebana styles, but the public appreciated its versatility. Moribana matches Japan’s modern lifestyle, and now Ohara School has grown to having 148 chapters in Japan and 56 chapters overseas.
The first lesson that you would learn at Ohara School is called “tateru katachi” or rising form. I found a You Tube video describing this lesson, both in Japanese and in English.
Here is a video in Japanese by the headmaster Hiroki Ohara.
This video is in English.
Interested in taking Ohara ikebana lessons? Ohara School’s website lists up all the chapters outside Japan. I hope you will find one near you.
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