Lahore (Ghulam Murtaza): The Sogetsu Ikebana Annual Spring Exhibition, titled “Spring Reverie: Crafts of Pakistan,” opened at The Residency Hotel Lahore on Friday, April 3rd , in celebration of 100 years of Sogetsu Ikebana. Organized by The Lahore Floritage Sogetsu Study Group under the leadership of Ms. Neveen Syed, Director of the Group, and held in collaboration with Blue Pine Residences, the exhibition highlights the works of Sogetsu Ikebana artists inspired by Pakistan’s rich and diverse craft traditions.

The exhibition will open for public viewing today from 6pm till 10pm and on Saturday, April 4, from 10 am to 5 pm.

The chief guest H.E. Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, inaugurated the exhibition along with Mr. Aamir Shirazi, Honorary Consul General of Japan in Lahore, Mrs. Ghazala Irfan, President of the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) Lahore and Mr. Ibrar Mumtaz, President of the Horticultural Society of Pakistan.

This year’s exhibition drew inspiration from the rich and diverse craft traditions of Pakistan, celebrating the country’s cultural heritage through the innovative medium of Sogetsu Ikebana. Participating artists researched and interpreted a wide range of traditional crafts, including Multani pottery, Hala ceramics, and Ajrak textiles.

Ambassador AKAMATSU, while speaking at the inaugural ceremony, expressed his appreciation to The Lahore Floritage Sogetsu Study Group for holding an impressive spring exhibition on the 100th anniversary of Sogetsu Ikebana. While congratulating the Sogetsu on achieving the remarkable milestone of hundred years, the Ambassador said this exhibition not only embodies the spirit of cultural exchange but also offers an opportunity to rediscover tradition of Ikebana through the refined and creative expressions of Sogetsu Ikebana by blending the freshness of spring with the rich crafts of Pakistan. “Born in Japan, Sogetsu Ikebana finds fresh expression in Pakistan, harmonizing with local craftsmanship”, remarked Ambassador Akamatsu.