Tea & Flowers: Dōjin Arts Soft Launch and Open House with the Sogetsu School of Ikebana

Photo credit: Xun Yu 六入處感官美學研習社 The Six Sensorial Lab

After months of the invisible work that goes into creating a brand new organization, The Dōjin Japanese Arts Society 同仁文化会 held its official soft-launch October of 2023.

In the spirit of gathering to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the seasons, we began with a celebration of the sister art forms of tea and flowers that flourished under the influence of Zen Buddhist aesthetics and philosophy during the Higashiyama era (late 15th century). Members of Dōjin Arts and the Sogetsu School of Ikebana created an opportunity for the public to enjoy an exhibition of ikebana arrangements by members of the Sogetsu Vancouver Branch (Sogetsu School of Ikebana) set in the authentic traditional Japanese tearoom at SaBi Tea Arts. 

In a relaxed, open house setting, both members and the community at large were invited to enjoy a bowl of matcha and beautiful wagashi sweet by the talented Saki Fukuda 福田早紀 amongst viewing the arrangements.

It was a lovely autumn afternoon and we were grateful to be able to connect with so many in the community at this inaugural event. Part of the mission of Dōjin Arts is to serve as a connection point between the various forms, schools, and traditions within Japanese cultural arts, as well as cultivating connection amongst people who practice and and appreciate them. Deepest thanks to everyone for the enthusiastic reception and warm support . We look forward to many more collaborations and opportunities to come together in future.