Ikebana at the Queen’s Gallery: Demonstration & Display

Enjoy a seasonal demonstration of ikebana, Japanese floral design, co-presented by Japan House London during your visit to the Japan: Courts and Culture exhibition at The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace.

Ikebana, often translated as ‘giving life to flowers’ and also known as kadō (lit. ‘the way of flowers’), originated over 500 years ago in Japan and has since evolved into many different schools each with their own distinctive philosophy.

This demonstration by Kojima Ruriko provides an introduction to the Ohara School of Ikebana which was founded in 1895 by Ohara Unshin at a time when Japan had opened itself to European and American influences and began to import European flowers. Unshin created a new form of ikebana which he called the moribana style, which became very popular and spread among other schools.

During the event, Kojima Ruriko gives an introduction to the Ohara School of Ikebana and creates a selection of floral arrangements, explaining the central concepts of each style. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions after the demonstration.

Following the event, the arrangements will remain on display in the Millar Learning Room at The Queen’s Gallery for visitors to the exhibition to enjoy until Sunday 26 February.

Entry to the demonstration is free with standard admission to the exhibition Japan: Courts and Culture. Bringing together highlights from the Royal Collection’s outstanding collection of Japanese art and design, the exhibition tells the story of 300 years of diplomatic, artistic and cultural exchange between the British and Japanese royal and imperial families. The exhibition is on display at The Queen’s Gallery Buckingham Palace until 26 February 2023.

Tickets for the event and exhibition can be purchased directly on The Queen’s Gallery website, here. They are valid for one year if converted to a 1-Year Pass. Terms and conditions apply.