Han Le Han

The sensual side of ikebana

• Han learned the art of flower arrangement in Japan
• She was a researcher in East Asian art history
• She draws inspiration from the most basic things

Born in Germany to Vietnamese parents of Chinese ancestry, Han Le Han grew up in Dusseldorf, “in a dark apartment with neither balcony nor garden,” she recalls. “Behind the flat there was an ugly parking lot, where my mother begun to grow potted plants. I used to watch her from the window and was fascinated by the way flowers could transform such a gloomy place into something nice." Years later, creating beauty through flowers has become her job. “It happened almost by chance”, she admits. “I was a researcher in East Asian art history. I had never thought of becoming a flower designer. But then people saw my ikebana on Instagram and started asking for commissions. So I ended up quitting my job and opening my own studio in Berlin."

Interview

©Patrycja Toczek

©Patrycja Toczek

How did you discover ikebana?

I spent one year in Kobe, Japan, because of my studies. There, I started learning ikebana. I missed using my hands – before art history, I studied fashion design, which was more practical – and it was great to do it again.

What makes this craft interesting to you?

The contrast and the rhythm between different structures, textures, volumes, colours and shapes, not only of the flowers but also inorganic or man made materials. I draw inspiration from the most basic things: a weirdly shaped stone or branch, a piece of plastic or metal.

Is ikebana in Berlin different from in Japan?

It’s less traditional. First, here in Germany we have different flowers available. Then, people don’t have the same awareness about seasons and flower symbolism which makes ikebana less codified and therefore more free.

Why do you consider ikebana to be sensual?

To create a truly compelling floral work, you need to listen to what a flower tells you, supporting its qualities and not acting against them. Just like this, the arrangement will radiate the sensuality of something that was respected and appreciated in its uniqueness.

Han Le Han is a rising star: she began her career in 2018

Works

©Han Le Han

©Han Le Han

©Martin Monk

©Han Le Han

©Han Le Han

Where