Japanese Punch Bowl
Eclectic Blooms
Kira Bibb
2021 installation
2nd Floor - Dining Room
The Inspiration
This mid-eighteenth-century Imari porcelain punch bowl is decorated with bird and floral motifs, including butterflies, a phoenix, a dragon, and a gilded sixteen-petal chrysanthemum—the symbol of the Japanese imperial family.
The Flowers
Florist’s inspiration: Cherry Blossom season is the perfect time to celebrate the friendship and partnership between Japan and the United States, and this porcelain bowl is the perfect symbol of that friendship.
This large Japanese export punch bowl, along with its twin, grace two side tables in the Anderson’s impressively appointed Dining Room. Decorated on the exterior with a graphic pattern of colorful florals with gilt outlines and butterflies, the inside has a gilded three-dimensional sixteen-petal chrysanthemum—the symbol of the Japanese royal family—at its center. The phoenix and dragon inside represent yin and yang—everlasting love and marital happiness. The bowl rests on a carved teak stand. Presented to the Andersons by Emperor Taisho and Empress Teimei.
This gorgeous piece features many intricate patterns and bold colors. I chose to focus in on some of the details seen throughout the bowl.
THE DESIGNER
Kira Bibb
Eclectic Blooms
I am Kira…an enthusiastic, self- taught florist with a love for people and having a good time. I LIVE for a memorable get together, can turn anything into a reason to celebrate and believe in experiences over material things. I am always dancing to music- whether it's aloud or in my head (shout out to Sonos & my Spotify playlist), candles are a must and it's never too early for a cocktail! I'm crazy about my husband- who provides just the right amount of realism when I’m being “extra.” He helps me out from time to time with a number of things and takes care of the behind the scenes business stuff so I can continue creating amazing ish!
I am a different kind of florist- and I like to do my own thing rather than follow the traditional styles…I’m not afraid to try new things and I live by the saying “All they can do is say no”.
I see floral arranging as an art...call me Ki-casso (Get it?Kira, Picasso? Art? Did I mention my love for corny jokes? Ok, I digress) There are so many colors and textures that come together to paint your floral vision. There is inspiration EVERYWHERE such as your favorite bar, an Instagram photo or fabric from your favorite shirt.
Each event has its own vibe and my passion is to make yours shine through flowers. Let's create some magic!
Photo of Donnamaria by Jonny Edward
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Donnamaria R. Jones
Circa Life Images
Donnamaria is a published, award-winning portrait and event photographer based in the Washington DC-Maryland-Virginia area. She owns and operates Circa Life Images Studio, a 2,500 square foot space located on the north end of Waldorf in Southern Maryland. The spacious facility has a very large bay door entrance and offers a range of professional imaging services to include portrait, lifestyle and automotive photography. The studio is conveniently located off the main thoroughfare, MD Route 301, with ample parking just a few feet from the main entrance. She also travels internationally to provide on location photography services.
