How their roots intertwine

ASPECIAL energy was crackling among the ladies refreshing their ikebana arrangements in the strikingly unusual exhibition "Living Flowers: Ikebana and Contemporary Art" at the Japanese American National Museum. In two days, the crown prince of Japan was expected to tour the museum. They wouldn't be allowed here that day, but the very idea that Japanese royalty would see their work had made their day.

By Scarlet Cheng

July 6, 2008