Ryūsei-ha

Ryusei ha Ikebana by Kasen Yoshimura
Ryusei ha Ikebana by Kasen Yoshimura

Founded in 1886 by Yoshimura Kaun, Ryūsei-ha (龍生派) takes its name from Okazaki Castle in Aichi Prefecture, also known as “Dragon Castle,” the birthplace of the school’s first headmaster, symbolising strength, vitality, and inspiration.

During the dynamic Meiji era, Yoshimura sought to move beyond the conventions of traditional Ikenobō Ikebana to reveal the natural individuality and beauty of each flower and branch. Establishing Ryūsei-ha in Tokyo, he envisioned Ikebana as a harmonious balance between structure and creativity, reflecting both classical discipline and modern artistic spirit.

Ryusei-ha offers a range of approaches. rikka is the oldest and most traditional method, developed for offering in Buddhist temples. It emphasises structure, symbolism, and a sense of grandeur. shōka (seika) is a formal Edo-period style focusing on simplicity, balance, and harmony while following traditional rules. jiyū-ka is a freestyle approach, blending classical elements with the practitioner’s artistic vision, creating arrangements that are personal and expressive.

Learn more about Ryūsei-ha at ryuseiha.net

*photo credits Ikebana International magazine

Ikebana by Kasen Yoshimura, the 1st Iemoto*

ryusei ha Ikebana School kasen yoshimura
ryusei ha Ikebana School kasen yoshimura

Ikebana by Kasen Yoshimura, the 1st Iemoto *

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.

© 2025 Ikebana International London Chapter. All rights reserved.