What do the Japanese find beautiful?
Personally, I appreciate the transience of nature - the falling of flowers, the sound of dripping water, the wind whistling through bamboo and pottery with deliberate imperfections.
Wabi-sabi implies rustic simplicity in a positive light, or the grace that comes with age and repeated use. Like the Western world's relationship with idealised Greek concepts of beauty, wabi-sabi is an unshakable Japanese concept of beauty on virtually every level.
A striking contrast between ostentatious luxury and simplicity can be seen when comparing the Golden and Silver Pavilions in Kyoto. Both pavilions are Zen Buddhist temples, and the structure of these pavilions is quite similar. However, their appearance is quite different.
The golden pavilion is covered with pure gold leaf, and its shiny, sumptuous appearance gives a strong impression of opulence. On the other hand, the graceful architecture of the Silver Pavilion uses natural, modest materials, not actually silver, but simple, tasteful wood. It may be easier for some to admire the exquisite lavishness of the Gold Pavilion, but for me the Silver Pavilion manifests the concepts of Japanese simplicity and beauty to such great effect.
Which do you find more beautiful?
#Zen #Aesthetics #JapanUnmasked #wabisabi
Explore the Una series through the link: https://www.bolia.com/en/accessories/decoration/vases/?family=una&lastfacet=family