Wabi Sabi: The Japanese Art of Impermanence - Understanding the Zen Philosophy of Beauty in Simplicity - Juniper, Andrew Review & Synopsis

Synopsis Developed out of the aesthetic philosophy of cha-no-yu (the tea ceremony) in fifteenth-century Japan, wabi sabi is an aesthetic that finds beauty in things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. Taken from the Japanese words wabi, which translates to less is more, and sabi, which means attentive melancholy, wabi sabi refers to an awareness of the transient nature of earthly things and a corresponding pleasure in the things that bear the mark of this impermanence. As much a state of mind-an awareness of the things around us and an acceptance of our surroundings-as it is a design style, wabi sabi begs us to appreciate the pure beauty of life-a chipped vase, a quiet rainy day, the impermanence of all things. Presenting itself as an alternative to today's fast-paced, mass-produced, neon-lighted world, wabi sabi reminds us to slow down and take comfort in the natural beauty around us. In addition to presenting the philosophy of wabi-sabi, this book includes how-to design advice-so that a transformation of body, mind, and home can emerge. Chapters include: >> History: The Development of Wabi Sabi >> Culture: Wabi Sabi and the Japanese Character >> Art: Defining Aesthetics >> Design: Creating Expressions with Wabi Sabi Materials >> Spirit: The Universal Spirit of Wabi Sabi Review Andrew Juniper provides a fascinating explanation of wabi sabi, taking the reader from the art's fifteenth-century Japanese origins to its modern-day practical applications. The book is peppered with photographs and illustrations that demonstrate how wabi sabi can help provide an alternative to the fast-paced, mass-produced, neon-lit world of today. He lives in Sussex, England where he runs the Wabi-Sabi Art Gallery."A rich read detailing the history, art, culture, design, and spiritual aspects of all things wabi sabi. Explains it deeply and accessibly at the same time." -Chicago Tribune "For the majority of Japanese, traditional Japanese culture is a lot like fishing. Everyone has fished, but not everyone is a fisherman. Only a few can tell you what every lure, bobber, and fly in a tackle box is. Even less could use them. The fact is, after reading this book, you'll understand both wabi sabi and Zen Buddhism better than 99.99% of the Japanese population." - Introvert Japan Wabi Sabi For designers seeking a simple, natural style In addition to presenting the philosophy of wabi-sabi, this book includes how-to design advice—so that a transformation of body, mind, and home can emerge." Magic as Metaphor in Anime Since its inception as an art form, anime has engaged with themes, symbols and narrative strategies drawn from the realm of magic. In recent years, the medium has increasingly turned to magic specifically as a metaphor for a wide range of cultural, philosophical and psychological concerns. This book first examines a range of Eastern and Western approaches to magic in anime, addressing magical thinking as an overarching concept which unites numerous titles despite their generic and tonal diversity. It then explores the collusion of anime and magic with reference to specific topics. A close study of cardinal titles is complemented by allusions to ancillary productions in order to situate the medium's fascination with magic within an appropriately broad historical context. Japanese art and aesthetics closely mirror Shinto's perception of the universe at large as a scenario of relentless ... beauty and life itself; sabi draws attention to imperfection and fragmentation, while the germane notion of wabi ..."