Ikebana Schools
In Japan more than 3000 Ikebana-Schools are established today. 
The Ikebana International Milano Prospective Chapter #271 represents two of them for the moment.
1. Sogetsu (草月流), talking about modern ikebana today, it meant first of all the form of ikebana that has been instructed and become known all over the world by the Sogetsu-School in Tokio.The Sogetsu-School was founded by Sofu Teshigahara in 1927 in Tokyo. From childhood he was instructed in the art of flower arranging by his father, an ikebana-teacher. First working as sculptor and calligraph, Sofu Teshigahara soon became the most distinguished ikebana-master of the 20th century. He attained international recognition as artist and directed the school until his death in 1979.He was followed by his daughter Kasumi Teshigahara as Iemoto (headmaster) until 1980. After her death her eldest brother Hiroshi Teshigahara became the third Iemoto. At that time he had a brilliant career as film director and was a famous ceramist and calligraph, too. Big bamboo installations indoors and outdoors in nature were his speciality.Since april 2001 Akane Teshigahara, the second daughter of Hiroshi, follows her father as the fourth Iemoto. She is the first Iemoto who has developed the instruction for children.
2. The Ohara -ryū (小原流), founded in 1895, revolutionised the world of Ikebana with the introduction of moribana, a style that arranges flowers in a water basin while preserving the principles of traditional Ikebana. By transforming flowers into works of art, the founder, Unshin Ohara, created a sensational expression that resonated with the contemporary living space, making Ikebana more accessible and admired worldwide.Ohara Ikebana is expressed through its signature styles. Moribana (盛花), the hallmark of Ohara Ikebana, uses a flat basin to create expansive, natural arrangements, showcasing the essence of flowers. Heika (瓶花) is a traditional vase arrangement rooted in the Edo period’s nageirebana, combining heritage with modern sensibilities to emphasize natural elegance in vases. Hanaisho (花意匠) is designed for contemporary living spaces, accommodating a variety of flowers and arrangements visible from multiple angles, making it accessible and inspiring for beginners and experienced practitioners.