嵯峨御流ワシントンD.C.支部長のBruce wilson先生は、昨年 I.I. Washington支部長に就任されました。

そのご縁で、I.I.支部創立60周年記念式典にわたくしは招聘を受けることになりました。

でも、さらに奇跡的なご縁のつながりがありました。

祖父弘洲が日米修好通商百周年を記念して、I.I.から招かれて1961年にD.C.の国立自然史博物館でデモンストレーションをした時の新聞記事を、Bruce先生から送っていただいたので、掲載させていただきます。

花は、言葉や国境を越えて友好の心を伝えられる、という事を改めて感じました。

The Washington Evening Star, February 17, 1960

“As its contribution to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of official diplomatic relations between the United States and Japan, the Washington Chapter of Ikebana International announces two demonstration lectures on Japanese flower arrangement.

They are to be by Professor Koshu Tsujii, Grand Master of the Saga School of Ikebana, on March 21, 8 to 10p.m. and on March 22, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.in the Auditorium of the Museum of Natural History.

Honorary Sponsors of Professor Tsui’s visit are the Embassy of Japan, the Japan-American Society, the Washington-Tokyo Club, and the National Capital Garden Club League.

Mrs. Eisenhower, Mrs. Nixon, Mrs. Christian Herter, Mme. Koichio Asakai, and Mrs John Foster Dulles head the list of honorary patronesses.

Reservations must be made in advance as no tickets may be purchased at the museum. For further information about Professor Tsujii’s visit call Mrs. Ralph S. McDowell, President of the Washington Chapter of Ikebana International 3328 Runnymede Place N.W.”

The Washington Post, April 3, 1960

“An arrangement of flowers is a work of art–if it has been done by Koshu Tsujii, Grand Master of Japan’s Saga School of Flower Arrangement. The 76 year-old artist, one of the world’s outstanding authorities on arranging flowers, recently demonstrated some of his techniques to members of the Washington Chapter of Ikebana International and their guests.

‘To have a desire to work with flowers.’ Professor Tskujii said, ‘is a wonderful thing.’ But as with any art, the desire, without discipline and selection, is not enough, he added.

To obtain the needed discipline, the professor advises the beginner to practice with only two or three ingredients.

Even better, he declared, is to study Ikebana (the Japanese art of flower arrangement) in classes such as those which are sponsored by may schools and women’s clubs in the country.

Ikebana International, with headquarters in Tokyo, was founded by a Washington woman, Mrs. Frank A. Allen Jr;, who is now honorary president. The local Washington Chapter, with over 300 members, holds four meetings a year in addition to monthly workshops direct by qualified teachers, and a yearly exhibition of best arrangements.”

国立自然史博物館