About Ikebana International

Ikebana International (I.I.) is a worldwide, nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of ikebana. The organization was founded in 1956 by the late Ellen Gordon Allen whose dream was to create an association uniting the people of the world through their mutual love of nature and enjoyment of ikebana. Today, that dream has spread to over 44 countries/areas, with nearly 140 chapters and a membership of around 7,000 persons.

The motto of the association is “Friendship through Flowers” and any person or organization accepting that objective is welcome to join us as a member of Ikebana International.

Ikebana International does not teach or endorse any single type of ikebana. It is an association that encompasses many different schools. The members are people from various parts of the world who enjoy and practice ikebana and have interests in other traditional Japanese art forms. Some schools stress classical styles; others focus on free style, and some a blend of both. Our members gain the opportunity to learn about ikebana of many different schools – their inspirations, styles, philosophy, history, and techniques – We benefit from those interactions through meetings, demonstrations, exhibitions and other events. Another unique feature of Ikebana International is that the organization was founded by and continues to be administered almost entirely by volunteers.