Ikabena : Fashion in Sibu

It was quite fashionable to have floral arrangements in an office in Sibu.

And there was a lady who could do ikabena in Sibu.  And every woman wanted to the learn the art of floral arrangements.

The Methodist Church women also held classes to teach women to arrange flowers for special occasions.




There was only one good orchid grower who sold orchids. Madam Tang had a beautiful garden which she developed well.

Her orchid garden was just opposite the Methodist School. So it was very convenient for Madam Tang to deliver well arranged flowers to the school for special functions. The various Methodist churches also ordered special floral arrangements from her.

Soon orchid and flower growing became popular in Sibu. At the same time, florists also opened up their businesses.

I attended a few classes of ikabena and thoroughly enjoyed them.

Here is a quote from Kasen Yoshimura, grandmaster of the Ryusai School of Ikebana:

The art of ikebana is to listen to the spirits of flowers and plants. It is how to make the voice or sentiment of the flower a visual combination with your feelings. Ikebana allows the heart of the arranger to touch the heart of the viewer.

In those long ago days I often wondered did I ever touch the heart of viewer with my floral arrangement? Could there really have been a kindred spirit who also enjoyed well arranged flowers?

I do remember Lien Tee as one of the earliest florists of Sibu and on several occasions my friends and I ordered floral arrangements from the shop.

The art of ikabena would always be part of my memory of Sibu.