In the late afternoon of the 5th of September, guests gathered in JCC for an Ikebana demonstration by Mr Bernard Tay. Mr Tay is a member of Tokyo Sogetsu Teachers Association, a member of Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135 as well as the advisor to the Singapore Sogetsu Association. Mr Tay has so far accumulated 39 years of experience in the art of Ikebana and has recently attained the highest grade in the Teacher’s Diploma of Sogetsu School and was made a Riji.
His interest in flowers was cultivated from his time working at his relative’s floral shop. Mr Tay took up Ikebana in the 1970s, increasing the platform for his immense creativity, which he displayed during his demonstration.
Guests were treated to 5 incredible displays from Mr Tay in which he included various elements of peranakan culture to go with the arrangements. Mr Tay demonstrated the each arrangement step by step to the interested audience members. He also combined items that were used in making peranakan desserts and delicacies into his arrangements. For example, in his fourth arrangement Mr Tay used a “love letters” (type of peranakan snack) maker as part of his floral arrangement. The use of the “love letters” maker combined with the flowers made for an interesting visual experience and accentuated the beauty and colour of the local flowers.
The demonstration session also welcomed many newcomers to Ikebana. It was a good opportunity for fresh and perspective members to get an understanding of what goes into a flower arrangement. Many were also able to ask Mr Tay questions pertaining to Mr Tay’s arrangements and the unusual peranakan framework for his ikebana arrangements. Delighting audience with his impressive arrangements that varied in style and form, Mr Tay certainly captivated the audience and attracted many members for Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135.
 
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