Tatami to the British Museum

The British Museum are holding an exhibition of Ikebana in Room 3 between 5 July – 19 August 2007. We are happy to provide the traditional tatami mats to complement the look and feel of this Japanese cultural exhibition



Ikebana (literally ‘living flowers’) is the Japanese art of flower arranging and has played an important role in Japanese society since ancient times. Used at many different occasions, one can expect to see displays on a Buddhist altar, at public events, in special rooms for tea gatherings and in the home.

For this exhibition, members of Ikebana International, the leading society for Japanese flower arrangement, will create seven different displays in seven weeks, each in one large ceramic jar. The jar was made by the leading ceramic artist Fujiwara Yū (1932–2001) who was designated as a Living National Treasure by the Japanese government for his master craft skills.

In Living Flowers of Japan, the natural beauty of the living flowers, the skill and performance of the arrangers and the simple elegance of the ceramic art all combine to celebrate the vibrant living traditions of Japan.

Admission free

Come and watch the changing of the ikebana floral display in Room 3 each Thursday at 13.00

Link to the British Museum website