📖 Wabi-sabi

Wabi-sabi is a unique traditional aesthetic consciousness and philosophical thought from Japan, advocating the discovery of value and charm in imperfect things, allowing people to cherish the "beauty of imperfection" that manifests in the most natural forms of all things in the world. To this day, wabi-sabi has deeply rooted itself in Japanese culture and values, exerting a significant influence. The concept of wabi-sabi originates from the three marks of existence in Buddhism: "impermanence," "suffering," and "emptiness." Characteristics of wabi-sabi include asymmetry, irregularity, and understatedness. In contrast to Western aesthetics, which emphasize ornate decoration and concrete objects, the Japanese place greater importance on simplicity and the beauty of negative space. This difference in nature reflects the unique aesthetic consciousness and emotional world of the Japanese people.

The traditional Japanese aesthetic embraces the beauty of accepting transience and imperfection. It permeates Japanese culture through Zen Buddhism, tea ceremonies, and haiku. Architecture such as shrines, temples, Japanese gardens, and traditional farmhouses all evoke the atmosphere of "wabi-sabi."