About ANZ Sogetsu Teachers Association Inc.

History of the New South Wales Branch

Moko Eade
Moko Eade
Norman Sparnon and his wife Mary returned to Australia in 1959 having spent thirteen years in post-war Japan. During those years the beautiful Art of Ikebana enraptured him. He studied under the great Sofu Teshigahara founder of the Sogetsu School and under Professor Yuchiku Fujiwara of the Ikenobo School.

He saw the possibilities, through this Art of promoting International peace and understanding, and contributing to Australian – Japanese relations. He returned to Japan for the publication of his first book “Japanese Flower Arrangement — Classical and Modern” after which he returned to Australia making Sydney his home.

In Sydney Sogetsu Ikebana became well known through his demonstrations, exhibitions and through the activities and enthusiasm of the teachers he trained.

The Art of Ikebana has been displayed at the Opera House, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Museum of Contemporary Art, Town Hall, Queen Victoria Building (under the umbrella of Ikebana International), ANZ Bank, The Overseas Terminal, Eryldene, Georg Jensen and David Jones.

Sofu Teshigahara visited Sydney in 1967, Kasumi (Sofu’s daughter) visited in 1974 as did Hiroshi Teshigahara the late Iemoto of the Sogetsu School in 1985.

Louise Jackson
Louise Jackson
In recent years Sogetsu has been displayed at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Floriade in Canberra, Australian Catholic University in Strathfield, The Hazelhurst Gallery in Sutherland, Gosford Japanese Gardens, Ku-Ring-Gai Art Centre, Australian Garden Show, Paradise Gardens at Kulnura but to name a few venues.

In Sydney there are eleven practicing teachers who are encouraged to exhibit and demonstrate at such events as Ikebana International’s annual luncheon where we are well represented.