ABOUT SUIRYU (翠柳)

ABOUT SUIRYU
(翠柳)

Founded in 2023 and based in New York, SUIRYU Inc. is a floral event studio deeply rooted in the philosophy of Ikebana. The studio celebrates the timeless artistry of Sogetsu Ikebana and offers thoughtfully designed  events, wedding decorations and ikebana classes. By blending traditional techniques with contemporary expression, we create unique floral experiences that connect with nature and the changing seasons.

AYAKO SHIDA

Born in Chiba, Japan, Ayako discovered her passion for floral design while studying architecture and interior design in college. After building a career in Tokyo, including managing a floral store and decorating high-profile events, she moved to New York in 2019 to explore new creative opportunities. A certified Sogetsu School Master since 2022, Ayako integrates the principles of traditional Japanese ikebana into modern design and shares her expertise through classes and projects.

SOGETSU IKEBANA

From pre-Buddhist times, Japanese have used evergreen trees and flowers to invoke nature gods. Ikebana, the art of flower arrangement, first appeared in the Muromachi Period (late 14th to mid-16th century), alongside the tea ceremony, Noh plays, and garden design. With the Meiji period and modernization, Ikebana declined until the government mandated it as a standard part of women’s education, sparking its revival.

In 1927, Sofu Teshigahara recognized Ikebana as a creative art form and founded the Sogetsu School, breaking away from established forms. Today, the school is led by Akane Teshigahara, Sofu Teshigahara’s granddaughter. Sogetsu Ikebana can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, using any material. It can adorn doorways, living rooms, kitchen tables, enhance hotel lobbies, banquet rooms, shop windows, and large public spaces, enriching any environment, whether Japanese or Western.

For more information, visit Sogetsu International at http://www.sogetsu.or.jp/e/.