Chinese Floral Arts Foundation USA is Passionate About a Long Lost Art

Ancient Chinese scholars believed that if “a blossom represents the world” then “a leaf represents the universe.” Combining the two represents the manifestation of one’s personality and destiny. The complex interplay between the aesthetics of the blossom and leaf is an analogy for the passion of the Chinese people. Chinese flower arranging is thus the application of this philosophy in art form.

Chinese flower arranging as an art form was intended to express the beauty of nature, the unique perspective and personality of the artist, and his or her union to his or her environment. Expression through flower arrangements serves to promote harmony in the soul so that one can balance their cultural identity, social identity, and identity of self.

In terms of the art itself, it’s essential to accept that the arrangement is not a matter of scale, complexity, or size. As an artist, you shouldn’t focus on who uses the most color, or who has the most diversity in their arrangement. Instead see that an arrangement serves as an extension of self and let the arrangement be a means to better understand the self. While everyone has their own unique style and approach, do not be quick to control; be willing to let yourself be guided.

The art of Chinese flower arrangements traces its history to more than 1500 years ago in the fifth century during the Six Dynasties period (220 CE to 587 CE). It was considered one of the most important classical skills. Throughout this period, the art of flower arrangement flourished. No longer created just within the studios of the literati and intellectuals, flower arrangements began to appear in religious rituals and were given as holiday and wedding gifts. The great minds of the era sought to appreciate the beauty of the flower and so produced a great body of literature devoted to the relationship between flowers, nature, and man.

Due to political turmoil in China during the 1800s, the practice of flower arranging declined to near extinction.

"We Are Passionate About a Long Lost Art"

The mission of the Chinese Floral Arts Foundation USA-Charter is to promote the traditional Chinese floral arts and culture through means of education, lecture/exhibit and community engagement.

As part of this commitment, The Foundation is pleased to offer a series of flower arrangement classes to the community at the Hill Harbison House for the first time. The course will cover instructional techniques in traditional Chinese flower arranging and appreciation.

Class is schedule on Thursday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am in the following dates
9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19 & 10/26
Single class $ 35
Five classes package $ 150
Location: Hill Harbison House
1841 Alhambra Rd. San Marino, Ca.
Registration: www.chinesefloralarts.org (click store).

For further information email vivian@chinesefloralarts.org