Little Green Paris — Sogetsu Ikebana

My Story

Taiwan, Paris —
and the gift of
beginning again.

I'm Irene, a Taiwanese native who has called Paris home for more than a decade, with chapters lived in Shanghai, Sydney, and Bangkok along the way. For sixteen years, I built a career in brand marketing for world-renowned corporations. Then life handed me something unexpected: the space to stop.

"That unexpected pause gave me space to listen to myself and finally pursue what I truly loved."

When I was let go from my job in 2022, I chose to begin again. I explored my passion for flowers through training with various floral artists and institutes across Europe, then immersed myself deeply in Sogetsu ikebana under my Sensei Odile Carton. After three and a half years of study, I obtained my Sogetsu teaching certificate at the end of 2025 — this path has become my true calling.

Read my full story →

What is Sogetsu?

A contemporary approach
to ikebana.

Founded in 1927 by Sofu Teshigahara, Sogetsu revolutionized ikebana by recognizing it as a creative art rather than a rigid tradition. The philosophy is simple yet profound: anyone can enjoy Sogetsu ikebana anytime, anywhere, using any material. Unlike classical schools bound by strict rules, Sogetsu embraces freedom and contemporary expression while honoring the essence of Japanese flower arrangement. Today, with over 120 branches across 38 countries, Sogetsu continues to inspire artists worldwide to find beauty in unexpected materials and spaces.

Learn more about Sogetsu →

Workshop

Sculpting Silence

An immersive dialogue between Sogetsu Ikebana and ceramic art.

More than a flower class, this is an invitation to slow down and embrace the ephemeral. We explore the principles of Sogetsu — line, colour, and mass — not as rules, but as a language for seeing.

"Anytime, anywhere, by anyone." Founded in 1927 by Sofu Teshigahara, the Sogetsu school revolutionised ikebana by liberating it from strict tradition — approaching arrangement not merely as decoration, but as contemporary sculpture.

Each session takes place in an intimate setting, limited to 10 guests, and can be conducted in English, French, or Mandarin.

Ikebana workshop tools on a wooden table

The programme · 2.5 hours

Context & Philosophy · 30 min

An introduction to the history of the Sogetsu school and contemporary floral trends. We explore how its avant-garde philosophy has shaped the way we see nature as sculpture.

Guided Creation · 1h 30 min

You will create your own arrangement in a handmade ceramic suiban, learning the most fundamental Sogetsu basic style — focusing on line, balance, and negative space.

The Exchange · 30 min

We close with Taiwanese High-Mountain Tea and Japanese sweets — a moment to share observations, discuss what you have made, and simply sit with beauty.

Sculpting Silence

Private Sogetsu Ikebana Workshop

Duration2.5 hours

CapacityLimited to 10 guests

LanguagesEnglish · Français · 中文

Price€200 / person

What you take home

Your own floral arrangement, created during the session

A unique hand-thrown ceramic suiban by Taiwanese artist Yu-Wen (@yuwen_ceramics) — designed exclusively for this experience

A kenzan to continue your practice at home

A new way of seeing — the Sogetsu philosophy stays with you long after the flowers fade

First name

Last name

Email address

Phone

Number of guests

Preferred language

Preferred date

Date flexibility

Tell me about yourself or ask a question

Booking is confirmed upon receipt of a deposit and email of confirmation. Flowers, ceramics, kenzan and refreshment are included. The workshop location in Paris will be shared upon confirmation. Reply within 48 hours.

✦ Thank you — your request has been received. I will be in touch within 48 hours to confirm your session and share all the details. I look forward to meeting you.

Sculpting
silence.

Taiwan, Paris —
and the gift of
beginning again.

A contemporary approach
to ikebana.

A collection of
space and time.

Sculpting Silence

Context & Philosophy · 30 min

Guided Creation · 1h 30 min

The Exchange · 30 min

Sculpting Silence

Learn Sogetsu
from anywhere.

Let's begin a
conversation.

Sculptingsilence.

Taiwan, Paris —and the gift ofbeginning again.

A contemporary approachto ikebana.

A collection ofspace and time.

Sculpting Silence

Context & Philosophy · 30 min

Guided Creation · 1h 30 min

The Exchange · 30 min

Sculpting Silence

Learn Sogetsufrom anywhere.

Let's begin aconversation.

Sculpting
silence.

Taiwan, Paris —
and the gift of
beginning again.

A contemporary approach
to ikebana.

A collection of
space and time.

Learn Sogetsu
from anywhere.

Let's begin a
conversation.