Artfully Arranged: The Ikebana Collection

Ikebana Table Lamp shown in the Verdigris Flower finish. Also available in two other flower finishes.

Artist Statement: Studio Founder Michelle Aaro

This collection evolved from a personal project. Years ago, I made simple ceramic stands to display botanical sprigs I brought home from walks. Forever a floraphile and naturelark—I frequently gather natural treasures, such as seedpods, sprigs, and flowers, to display at home. I have always been fascinated by flora’s patterns and incredible tiny architecture, and after working at the Portland Japanese Garden one summer in college, I enjoy the practice of ikebana flower arranging. In ikebana, there is a deep reverence for nature and a contemplative study of line, movement, space, balance, minimalism, and meaning.

Years later, when I decided to develop my ikebana stands into sculptural lights for Cedar & Moss, I was inspired by the 70s copper sculptures from my childhood and my love of metalsmithing. At the studio, we sculpt copper flowers and stems, then work with our finishing team to apply beautiful metal patinas. We hand-build the pottery stands from slabs of clay and hand-glaze them. When the sculptures come together, the flowers are artfully arranged and sway like flowers in the breeze. Our copper studio flowers are mailable, repositionable, and removable, so I hope people arrange their sculptures as they please and collect seasonal botanicals to display too. When lit, the flowers are stunning, washed with light. What started out as an offbeat personal project has blossomed into a delightful studio favorite that we are excited to share.