The Ichiyo School of Ikebana was founded by Ichiyo Kasuya and her brother Meikof Kasuya in Tokyo, Japan in 1937. The Melbourne Ichiyo Ikebana was established in 1988.

The Ichiyo School uses a simplified and systematic method of teaching, so that everyone can understand the course work without difficulty. While the personal interpretation of students is encouraged, the use of imagination and an appropriate selection of materials and containers are the main characteristics of this school.

Obtaining a basic instructor's qualification consists of six courses: primary, secondary, advanced, research, instructor 1 and 11 with 20 lessons for each course. Upon satisfactory completion of each course and passing examination, students may apply for the certificate which is presented by the head master of the Ichiyo School. Students can continue their study by upgrading their qualification to become the master instructor.

You can find qualified teachers in several suburbs.

For more information:
     9314 3444 or 9592 0408

The history of Ikenobo is the history of Ikebana. Ikebana began with Ikenobo 550 years ago and, although over time other schools have branched off from Ikenobo, Ikenobo is said to be the origin of Ikebana. The changes in customs and living environments over the centuries are reflected in the evolution of Ikenobo's Ikebana styles. Each age has brought new challenges for Ikebana to express the spirit of the time. Today's styles include "Rikka", "Shoka", and modern "Free Style". If you would like to know more about Ikenobo please check our website: www.ikenobo.jp.

For more information:
     (03) 9827 8230

The Ohara School was established in 1890 by Unshin Ohara who started making use of short stemmed foreign flowers that had been introduced to Japan during the Meiji period. He designed a flat moribana container to replace the tall vase previously used. His naturalistic landscape arrangements have become the signature of the Ohara school.

Unshin's son, grandson, and great grandson have continued the family tradition and have introduced many other styles, for example rimpa, inspired by screen paintings and a literati style which relates to China, its poets and painters. the Ohara School is one of the largest in Japan and there are branches all over the world. There are Chapters in Sydney and Melbourne and although our Chapter is small, the members are very active having regular workshops, exhibitions and classes.

Ohara Teacher in Melbourne:
Aiko Nakada. Ph: 03 9899 3367

The Sogetsu School of Ikebana Victoria Branch Incorporated presents both traditional and modern Ikebana arrangements using authorised curriculum books. The school was originally founded in 1927 by Sofu Teshigahara. It is his grandaughter Akane who now heads the school. The teaching, while based on traditional techniques, encourages students to express their individual talents whilst at the same time expressing the spirit of the flowers and the heart of the arranger.

Ikebana classes are conducted by fully qualified teachers accredited by Sogetsu Foundation in Japan. Sogetsu is the largest school of Ikebana. Workshops and exhibitions are organised by the Branch for teachers and students.

Sogetsu Teachers in Melbourne:
Elizabeth Angell. Ph: 03 9817 6306
Theresa Feile. Ph: 03 9752 1497
Reiko Ito. Ph: 03 9790 0986
Carlyne Patterson. Ph: 03 9859 2137
Thea Sartori. Ph: 03 9817 3657
Julie Ireland. Ph: 03 9690 3807
Christopher James - Geelong. Ph: 03 5261 3983