InstructorThe Sangetsu School of Flower Arrangement was established on June 15, 1972, inspired by the flower arrangements of Mokichi Okada (1882-1955). Okada was an artist, philosopher and humanitarian who believed in the transforming quality of art as a means to awaken the inherent beauty within each individual.
Okada’s flower arrangements expressed his great love of nature in its simplicity and naturalness. His style of arranging, preserved in a series of color photographs, formed the basis of the School and serves as the model for Korinka-the advanced level and essence of Sangetsu.
The name Sangetsu means “mountain moon.” The name was taken from the beautiful teahouse, Sangetsu-an, which was constructed in the gardens Okada created surrounding the Hakone Art Museum in Gora, Japan. Okada felt that natural and man-made beauty should combine and complement one another in all parts of life. It is with the desire of sharing this ideal that the Sangetsu School was founded.
Okada did not propose specific techniques for arranging flowers but gave guidance on how to make an arrangement that retains its life forces and is an expression of nature. He indicated that life-filled flowers have the ability to facilitate healing and to initiate a change in consciousness. This, in turn, will help to bring about individual happiness and peace among all people.
Okada’s daughter, Itsuki Okada, has served as Iemoto or Headmaster of the Sangetsu School until her passing in 2013. In Japan, artists often adopt a special name that expresses their position or creative identity. Our Iemoto used the name of Sangetsusai Meiseki. No replacement as of yet has been named as her successor.
We invite you to participate in this healing art form that is guided by its love of nature and humanity.
Sangetsu training begins with the completion of a 100-lesson basic course of beginning, intermediate and advanced study. From there, a Sangetsu student can continue studying to attain Instructor level, further on for Senior Instructor, and then as Master Instructor. Readiness for each additional level is determined by the person’s commitment to further training, discussion with the current Sangetsu North America Director and others at the Instructor level.