21. Ceremonial Katana (Sword)
Ikebana DC Chapter
Parissa Javid and Mahsa Javid
2026 installation
Second Floor - Olmsted Gallery
The Inspiration
This large steel and ivory ceremonial sword (or katana) was made in Japan in the nineteenth century and carved with Buddhist scenes.
The Flowers
Recipe: Rattan, anthurium
Florist’s inspiration: In ikebana the container can be an integral part of the arrangement. As such, the colors and textures of this container and the rattan structure are inspired by the sword and rope while maintaining asymmetry and emphasizing negative space.
THE DESIGNER
Parissa Javid and Mahsa Javid
Ikebana DC Chapter
Parissa and Mahsa Javid are members of the D.C. Branch of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana (Japanese floral art). They began their Ikebana journey as children in Iran. They received their first certificates from the Sogetsu School of Japan in 1991 and their Teachers’ Diplomas in Spring 2025. Ikebana has enriched their lives, bringing continuity, serenity, and friendships all over the world.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Aimee Custis Photography
Aimee Custis is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Washington DC. Her rich, luminous, and emotive style draws artistic inspiration from classical painters, street photography, and storytelling.
Her inclusive, client-centric approach to wedding photography is informed heavily by a background in hospitality, non-profit event planning, and college summers as a camp counselor. Aimee's wedding work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Washingtonian Weddings. Outside of weddings, her client list includes non-profits, hotels, and elected officials. Aimee is also the web designer behind the Art in Bloom website.
Aimee (she/they) lives in Washington DC’s U Street corridor with her husband Greg and golden retriever Whiskey.
