Ikenobō School

Ikenobo style - Shoka Shofutai
Ikenobo style - Shoka Shofutai

With a history spanning over five centuries, the Ikenobō (池坊) is recognised as the birthplace of Japanese flower arranging. Its origins trace back to Kyoto’s Rokkaku-dō Temple, where Buddhist monks first offered flowers at the altar, living near a pond called ike in a small hut, or bō. The monks became known as Ikenobō, giving the school its name.

The school’s formal teachings began in the late Muromachi period under Ikenobō Senno, who documented the philosophy of ikebana in Senno Kuden and established the rikka style, a formal arrangement representing natural landscapes, emphasising structure, symbolism, and a sense of grandeur. In the 18th century, the simplified shōka style emerged, focusing on the natural character of plants, seasonal harmony while following traditional rules.

Over the centuries, generations of Ikenobō headmasters (Iemoto) have preserved and evolved these traditions. Today, the school continues to teach rikka and shōka, honouring its centuries-old heritage while inspiring students to experience ikebana as a living dialogue with nature.

Learn more about Ikenobō School at

Ikenobo London

Ikenobo headquarters Japan

Shoka Shofutai

Rikka Shimputai by Rie Kuchina-Day

Art Gallery

Explore the beauty of Japanese flower arrangements and friendship.

A variety of colorful flowers, including pink lilies, red roses, white carnations, and yellow daisies, are artistically arranged and floating in water. The background features a rustic stone wall, adding a natural element to the floral arrangement.
A variety of colorful flowers, including pink lilies, red roses, white carnations, and yellow daisies, are artistically arranged and floating in water. The background features a rustic stone wall, adding a natural element to the floral arrangement.
Two flower arrangements are placed side by side against a dark background. The left arrangement features yellow flowers with green foliage in a white pot. The right arrangement consists of white and pink roses in a textured pink vase, tied with a string.
Two flower arrangements are placed side by side against a dark background. The left arrangement features yellow flowers with green foliage in a white pot. The right arrangement consists of white and pink roses in a textured pink vase, tied with a string.
A delicate floral arrangement featuring pink flowers intertwined with geometric wooden structures. Red petals and branches are intricately woven together, creating an artistic and organic pattern.
A delicate floral arrangement featuring pink flowers intertwined with geometric wooden structures. Red petals and branches are intricately woven together, creating an artistic and organic pattern.
A delicate arrangement of small, multi-colored flowers is hanging on a wall. The bouquet includes light yellow, white, and purple flowers held together in a decorative triangular wooden frame.
A delicate arrangement of small, multi-colored flowers is hanging on a wall. The bouquet includes light yellow, white, and purple flowers held together in a decorative triangular wooden frame.
A decorative arrangement features a collection of pastel-colored flowers, including blue, pink, and white blooms. It is accented with a golden folding fan and delicate pink and purple ribbons. The entire composition is set on a black stand with a textured base, and a white tassel cord is draped elegantly to the side.
A decorative arrangement features a collection of pastel-colored flowers, including blue, pink, and white blooms. It is accented with a golden folding fan and delicate pink and purple ribbons. The entire composition is set on a black stand with a textured base, and a white tassel cord is draped elegantly to the side.
A bouquet composed of various flowers and leaves, artistically arranged. The flowers display a mix of textures and colors, including green hydrangeas, orange and brown leaves, and spiky tall grasses. The arrangement is held against a dark background that enhances the vivid colors of the bouquet.
A bouquet composed of various flowers and leaves, artistically arranged. The flowers display a mix of textures and colors, including green hydrangeas, orange and brown leaves, and spiky tall grasses. The arrangement is held against a dark background that enhances the vivid colors of the bouquet.

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