Ikebana Display at Paragon Orchard Singapore - Gotta Love Paragon; If In Kyoto...

Paragon has recently hosted the annual exhibition of the Ikebana International Singapore chapter, 15-27 April 2014.


You've got to love Paragon Orchard in Singapore! It has such a glamorous collection of glitzy yet enduring luxury brand boutiques, luxury mechanical watch boutiques, a department store and shops for mid-range shopping in a classy atmosphere, delicious restaurants of all kinds and classes plus an upmarket food court, cafés to hang out in solo or chat with friends, and just as this Ikebana exhibit - they have consistently organized tasteful events and promotions through the years. So I always make it a point to visit Paragon Orchard and check what's new


The big-hitting luxury brands in Paragon that draw huge Singapore crowds are Gucci, Prada, Coach, Alfred Dunhill, Miu Miu, Armani, and TOD's to name a few. And if it's Great Singapore Sale days, make sure to be among the first to flock to Paragon as it gets really packed.
Check the Paragon website for the complete listing of their shops.


When you start looking for food and drinks, scan the long row of restaurants at the basement. Among the restos are Din Tai Fung (gotta have Xia Lom Bao again!) and Soup Restaurant (not to be confused with The Soup Spoon et al. If you haven't dined at Soup Restaurant - then you must do so! Try their take on traditional Hainanese Chicken!). And don't skip Sushi Tei on the 5th floor (above the wing with Prada). You may not immediately think "classy" when you hear Sushi Tei, but dine at their Paragon resto and you'll see them in a new light as you have a truly enjoyable experience.
If you're a Citibank creditcard holder, check with their guest information services as they often have promotions.

Now back to Ikebana after raving about Paragon.


Even to the uninitiated, one has to admire the beauty of the Ikebana arrangements, with their mix of flowers, colors, textures, "pottery", and styles of each.


If In Kyoto...
The Ikebana exhibit drew me to memories of the Ikebana History Museum in Kyoto. With all the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto, this niche museum would tend to be overpowered. But I wouldn't be surprised if in your travels within Kyoto, going from temple to temple and museum to museum, you find yourself at the doorsteps of this seemingly quaint museum. When you do so... Do step in!

No photos to show for the Ikebana History Museum in Kyoto - photo taking is strictly not allowed!


This museum exhibits a variety of items from the Rokkakudo Temple, which mainly relate to flower arrangements and were inherited from Ikebana master Ikenobo, some items dating as far back as 550 years. The museum houses significant preserved ancient documents - original handwritten manuscripts such as the history of flower arrangement, and flower vase pottery or "Tachibanazu" pictures drawn by Ikenobo Senko.

The artistry and detail of the drawings in the original manuscripts are amazing! I was in such awe at how focused and systematic was the recording and teaching of the art of Ikebana from five centuries back. For me the visit to the museum was like stepping back to a Japanese hall in the 15th century. And realizing how delicate and fragile the manuscripts are, one can fully appreciate why photos are not allowed. Thus, one has to go to the museum to experience what it can offer. Check the museum website for instructions on how to get there.


That's it for now! Just wanted to share some light and happy thoughts at seeing the Paragon Ikebana display!




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