One Flower, One Flower Holder

     "Wouldn't you like to come to the best ikebana exhibit of the year at Takashimaya?" invited tomodachi-san whose family has lived in Tokyo for "about" one thousand years. In New York Takashimaya is the edgy, intimidating depato on Fifth Avenue with pricey chopsticks. In Nihonbashi, the business district of town since the 17th century,  Takashimaya is a hive of older women buzzing about purposefully. The main entrance with its tall ceiling and mezzanine balcony is reminiscent of Macy's on 34th Street. Up to the top floor we buzzed. A greeter bowed as we entered a hall filled with displays of single blooms or branches artfully posed in unexpected shallow containers.

    Kimono clad women studied each display, including the shadow that became part of the piece. (Besides flowers ikebana exhibits allow for close observation of the elegant kimono.)  Many visitors held up cell phones to capture favorites. Jars hung from overhead with single stems leaning precariously. The basic concept: organic minimalism. Unlike the sexy multibloom bouquets of the West, these arrangements celebrated the individual stem. Favored shape is the triangle, so that flowers lean sharply to one side (moribana). With a variety of schools teaching different styles of arrangement, to the novice it is difficult to discern the nuances. As there is a spiritual element to the practice these sensei were monks, huddled together in simple kimono with heads shaved in a corner of the hall.

    "This one is Nara style," explained tomodachi-san about one display of a brick-like container set upon an ancient slab of wood. (Nara, the original capital of Japan and home to the Great Buddha, is celebrating its 1,300th anniversary.)  After purchasing a few postcards at the exit down to the depachika (Food Hall) we descended for a quick browse in the busiest part of the shop for a few bits and bobs for dinner. Outside it is suddenly springtime.