UN Chronicle | Petals of Peace

Petals of Peace
By Nuchhi R. Currier for the Chronicle

Web Article


Ikebana flower arrangement. Photo: Nobue Miyauchi

"I heard it was snowing in New York. I travelled all the way from Tokyo to arrange spring flowers for the United Nations staff who have been working hard day and night for global peace. I bring an early spring to you in the form of Ikebana. My elegant flowers spell hope for a peaceful solution to the current crisis. I offer my art as a show of humble support to help you attain peace successfully."

Thus spoke Nobue Miyauchi, a headmistress, poet and artist, in the main lobby of the United Nations Secretariat one March afternoon. Her deft fingers were arranging colourful blooms in a perfectly balanced, symmetrical arrangement against a window reflecting an unexpectedly balmy day in New York City. There was feverish activity around her, with people purposefully striding to meetings as the world outside watched with trepidation and hope.


Photo: Nobue Miyauchi

Nobue asked of a smiling viewer:
"Where is a warm, native and tender heart
which is given to everybody by nature?"
and
"If there are people who show their smile by seeing my flower arrangement,
I feel happy …"

It is no accident that she uses the art of Ikebana as her symbol for peace. The entire structure of this art form is based upon a harmonious synthesis of linear construction, rhythm and colour. It's three lines symbolizing heaven, earth and humankind are the spiritual manifestation of Buddhist thought, and its origins can be traced as far back as the sixth century to ritual flower offerings in Buddhist temples.

Nobue has been practicing Ikebana since the 1980s with a series entitled "Arranging the Universe" and "Arranging Nature". In addition to participating in exhibitions, television broadcasting and teaching creative flower arrangement, she has been writing and reciting poems on "global environment and the mind of flower arrangement" at conferences around the world. Her overseas activities include art demonstrations at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization headquarters and Sorbonne University in Paris, Fauchon window displays, the Cannes Film Festival Hall and various embassies. Her periodic visits to the United Nations Secretariat never fail to delight as she creates a little island of peace and tranquility in the bustling lobby.

Go Back Top