The Senke School of Flower Arrangement was originated by Sen-no-Rikyu (1521-1591) who was the most famous master of the tea ceremony and flower arrangement in Japanese history. He created a new style of flower arrangement and originated new types of bamboo vases. He carried with him and his journeys a new devised simple vase called "tabi-makura" (travel-pillow). The vase served a double purpose. When he rested he used it as a pillow. When he came upon beautiful flowers he stopped and made an arrangement in it.
Almost two centuries later, Shotei, another great master of the Senke School, introduced important changes in both style and containers. He called the new development the Senke_Shotei, and the principles laid down were called Sen-no-Shotei style of flower arrangement. The principles laid down by Sen-no-Rikyu with the improvements made by Shotei are still followed today.
Shotei journeyed from Kyoto to Akita in northern Japan in the Temmei period (1781-1788). He remained there and taught his principles. One of his students, Hyakkaen Kensho, was so interested and enthusiastic that he transmitted to him the "ishidenshin", the basic concepts of the art of the flower arrangement. Hyakkeaen Kensho thus received the authority of the founder of the Senke-Shotei style. He then transferred his authority to Kagyubo Ippyo, whose successor was Shososai Yamada Okyo.
In 1901 Kane Shoji (nee Nagase) became a student under Shososai Yamada Okyo. She was promoted from "kyoju" (instructor) to "shihan" (advanced instructor) by the headmaster, and became "iyemoto" (headmaster). Her flower name, bestowed on her for outstanding achievement was Shosetsusai Shoji Osen. Kane Shoji came to the United States in 1921, and in 1922 opened the Senke School of Japanese Flower Arrangement in Seattle, Washington where she continued her teaching. Mrs. Shoji became "iyemoto" (headmaster) of the Senke School of Japanese Flower Arrangement in 1939 after the death of Yamada Okyo who had left instructions that she succeed him. Her succession was recommended by all the students of the late master and was authorized by Mr. Yonezo Yamada, the heir of the Yamada Family. For this school the Flower Master is chosen solely on merit.
While Kane Shoji taught the original style, she also developed and founded a new style called Senke-Shoji Style moribana. During World War II Kane Shoji was relocated to Hunt Idaho internment camp, where she continued her teachings until her return to Seattle in 1945. In the years that followed Branch Schools of the Senke School were opened in Salt Lake City, Utah and Portland, Oregon.
In 1964 upon the death of Kane Shoji, the title of Iyemoto of the Senke School of Japanese Flower Arrangement was bestowed upon her daughter, Elizabeth Hanako Shoji Slee. Mrs. Slee's appointment as the iyemoto was requested by Kane Shoji prior to her death. The Senke School maintains its headquarters in Seattle, Washington.