Sogetsu

In 1927, when everybody believed practicing ikebana meant following established forms, Sofu Teshigahara recognized ikebana as a creative art and founded the Sogetsu School at the age of 26. Born in 1900, he was the first son of Wafu Teshigahara, an ikebana artist, who trained Sofu in ikebana since childhood. 

Sofu Teshigahara said, “Anyone can enjoy Sogetsu Ikebana anytime, anywhere, using any material.” Modern life is reflected in Sogetsu Ikebana with emphasis on individual expressions. Natural and manmade materials are widely used, often in unexpected ways.
 

The current Iemoto, Akane Teshigahara said, "From the moment you want to express something with a flower in your hand, a world of your own creation begins. Always new and always beautiful."

After Sofu’s death in 1979, his daughter Kasumi Teshigahara became the second Iemoto. She passed away shortly thereafter and was succeeded by Hiroshi Teshigahara, the third Iemoto of Sogetsu School in 1980.  Hiroshi was a well-respected film director and well known for creating spectacular bamboo installations. He died in the spring 2001. His daughter, Akane Teshigahara, succeeded him as the fourth Iemoto.  As her father, she is a powerful installation artist who believes that ikebana must be incorporated in all aspects of contemporary life.