Aesthetics of Japan

7/29/2019 Aesthetics of Japan

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Geid

Hasegawa ThakuPine Trees, 1593

Geid refers to the various traditional Japanese arts disciplines:Noh(theater), kad(Japanese

flower arrangement), shod(Japanese calligraphy), Sad(Japanese tea ceremony), andyakimono

(Japanese pottery). All of these disciplines carry an ethical and aesthetic connotation and teach

an appreciation of the process of creation.[9]

To introduce discipline into their training, Japanesewarriors followed the example of the arts that systematized practice through prescribed forms

calledkata- think of the tea ceremony. Training in combat techniques incorporated the way ofthe arts (Geid), practice in the arts themselves, and instilling aesthetic concepts (for example,

yugen) and the philosophy of arts (geido ron). This led to combat techniques becoming known asthe martial arts (even today, David Lowry shows, in the 'Sword and Brush: the spirit of the

martial arts', the affinity of the martial arts with the other arts). All of these arts are a form of

tacit communication and we can, and do, respond to them by appreciation of this tacitdimension.

Japanese aestheticsFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Sji-ji, of theSoto Zenschool

The modern study of a Japaneseaestheticsin the Western sense only started a little over two

hundred years ago. But, by the term Japanese aesthetic, we tend to mean not this modern study,but a set of ancient ideals that includewabi(transient and stark beauty),sabi(the beauty ofnatural patina and aging), andygen(profound grace and subtlety).

[1]These ideals, and others,

underpin much of Japanese cultural and aesthetic norms on what is consideredtastefulor

beautiful. Thus, while seen as aphilosophyin Western societies, the concept of aesthetics inJapan is seen as an integral part of daily life.[2]Japanese aesthetics now encompass a variety of

ideals; some of these are traditional while others are modern and sometimes influenced from

other cultures.[3]

Contents

1 Shinto-Buddhism 2 Wabi-sabi 3 Miyabi 4 Shibui 5 Iki 6 Jo-ha-ky 7 Ygen 8 Geid 9 Ens 10 Aesthetics and Japan's cultural identities 11 Gastronomy 12 Kawaii 13 See also 14 References

Shinto-Buddhism

Shintois considered to be at the fountain-head of Japanese culture.[4]

With its emphasis on thewholeness of nature and character in ethics, and its celebration of the landscape, it sets the tone

for Japanese aesthetics. Nevertheless, Japanese aesthetic ideals are most heavily influenced by

Japanese Buddhism.[5]

In the Buddhist tradition, all things are considered as either evolving from

or dissolving into nothingness. This 'nothingness' is not empty space. It is, rather, a space ofpotentiality.[6]If we take the seas as representing potential then each thing is like a wave arising

from it and returning to it. There are no permanent waves. There are no perfect waves. At no

point is a wave complete, even at its peak. Nature is seen as a dynamic whole that is to be

admired and appreciated. This appreciation of nature has been fundamental to many Japaneseaesthetic ideals, "arts," and other cultural elements. In this respect, the notion of"art" (or its

conceptual equivalent) is also quite different from Western traditions (seeJapanese art).
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Wabi-sabi

Main article:Wabi-sabi

Hanami("blossom viewing") parties atHimeji Castle

Wabi and sabi refers to a mindful approach to everyday life. Over time their meaningsoverlapped and converged until they are unified into Wabi-sabi, the aesthetic defined as thebeauty of things "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete".[6]Things in bud, or things in decay,

as it were, are more evocative of wabi-sabi than things in full bloom because they suggest the

transience of things. As things come and go, they show signs of their coming or going and these

signs are considered to be beautiful. In this, beauty is an altered state of consciousness and canbe seen in the mundane and simple. The signatures of nature can be so subtle that it takes a quiet

mind and a cultivated eye to discern them.[7]

InZenphilosophy there are seven aesthetic

principles for achieving Wabi-Sabi.[8]

Fukinsei: asymmetry, irregularity; Kanso: simplicity; Koko: basic, weathered; Shizen: without

pretense, natural; Yugen: subtly profound grace, not obvious; Datsuzoku: unbounded byconvention, free; Seijaku: tranquility.

Each of these things are found in nature but can suggest virtues of human character andappropriateness of behaviour. This, in turn suggests that virtue and civility can be instilled

through an appreciation of, and practice in, the arts. Hence, aesthetic ideals have an ethical

connotation and pervades much of the Japanese culture.[9]

Miyabi

Main article:Miyabi
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The Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)

Miyabi () is one of the oldest of the traditional Japanese aesthetic ideals, though perhaps not as

prevalent as Iki or Wabi-sabi. In modern Japanese, the word is usually translated as "elegance,"

"refinement," or "courtliness" and sometimes refers to a "heart-breaker".

The aristocratic ideal of Miyabi demanded the elimination of anything that was absurd or vulgar

and the "polishing of manners, diction, and feelings to eliminate all roughness and crudity so asto achieve the highest grace." It expressed that sensitivity to beauty which was the hallmark of

the Heian era. Miyabi is often closely connected to the notion of Mono no aware, a bittersweetawareness of the transience of things, and thus it was thought that things in decline showed a

great sense of miyabi.

Shibui

An 18th centurytea bowl, exhibiting the aesthetics of Shibui

Main article:Shibui

Shibui () (adjective), shibumi () (noun), or shibusa () (noun) are Japanese words

which refer to a particular aesthetic or beauty of simple, subtle, and unobtrusive beauty.Originating in the Muromachi period (13361392) as shibushi, the term originally referred to a

sour or astringent taste, such as that of an unripe persimmon. Shibui maintains that literal

meaning still, and remains the antonym of amai (), meaning 'sweet'. Like other Japanese

aesthetic terms, such as iki and wabi-sabi, shibui can apply to a wide variety of subjects, not just

art or fashion. Shibusa includes the following essential qualities. (1) Shibui objects appear to besimple overall but they include subtle details, such as textures, that balance simplicity with
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complexity. (2) This balance of simplicity and complexity ensures that one does not tire of a

shibui object but constantly finds new meanings and enriched beauty that cause its aestheticvalue to grow over the years. (3) Shibusa is not to be confused with wabi or sabi. Though many

wabi or sabi objects are shibui, not all shibui objects are wabi or sabi. Wabi or sabi objects can

be more severe and sometimes exaggerate intentional imperfections to such an extent that they

can appear to be artificial. Shibui objects are not necessarily imperfect or asymmetrical, thoughthey can include these qualities. (4) Shibusa walks a fine line between contrasting aesthetic

concepts such as elegant and rough or spontaneous and restrained.

Iki

Main article:Iki (aesthetic ideal)

Iki (, often written) is a traditional aesthetic ideal in Japan. The basis of iki is thought to

have formed among urbane mercantile class (Chnin) in Edo in the Tokugawa period (1603

1868). Iki is an expression of simplicity, sophistication, spontaneity, and originality. It isephemeral, straightforward, measured, and unselfconscious. Iki is not overly refined, pretentious,complicated. Iki may signify a personal trait, or artificial phenomena exhibiting human will or

consciousness. Iki is not used to describe natural phenomena, but may be expressed in human

appreciation of natural beauty, or in the nature of human beings. The phrase iki is generally used

in Japanese culture to describe qualities that are aesthetically appealing and when applied to aperson, what they do, or have, constitutes a high compliment.Iki is not found in nature. While

similar to wabi-sabi in that it disregards perfection, iki is a broad term that encompasses various

characteristics related to refinement with flair. The tasteful manifestation of sensuality can be iki.Etymologically, iki has a root that means pure and unadulterated. However, it also carries a

connotation of having an appetite for life.[10]

Jo-ha-ky

Main article:Jo-ha-ky

Jo-ha-ky () is a concept of modulation and movement applied in a wide variety of

traditional Japanese arts. Roughly translated to "beginning, break, rapid", it infers a tempo that

begins slowly, accelerates, and then ends swiftly. This concept is applied to elements of the

Japanese tea ceremony, to kend, to the traditional theatre, toGagaku, and to the traditional

collaborative linked verse forms renga and renku (haikai no renga).[11]

Ygen
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The Dragon of Smoke Escaping from Mt Fuji,Hokusai

Ygen (?) is an important concept in traditional Japanese aesthetics. The exact translation of

the word depends on the context. In the Chinese philosophical texts the term was taken from,

ygen meant "dim", "deep" or "mysterious". In the criticism of Japanesewakapoetry, it was

used to describe the subtle profundity of things that are only vaguely suggested by the poems,

and was also the name of a style of poetry (one of the ten orthodox styles delineated byFujiwarano Teikain his treatises).

Yugen suggests that beyond what can be said but is not an allusion to another world.[12]It is

about this world, this experience. All of these are portals to yugen:

"To watch the sun sink behind a flower clad hill. To wander on in a huge forest without thought

of return. To stand upon the shore and gaze after a boat that disappears behind distant islands. To

contemplate the flight of wild geese seen and lost among the clouds. And, subtle shadows of

bamboo on bamboo."Zeami Motokiyo

Zeami was the originator of the dramatic art formNoh theatreand wrote the classic book ondramatic theory (Kadensho). He uses images of nature as a constant metaphor. For example,"snow in a silver bowl" represents "the Flower of Tranquility". Yugen is said to mean aprofound, mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe and the sad beauty of human

suffering.[13]

It is used to refer to Zeamis interpretation of refined elegance in theperformance of Noh.[14]
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Geid

Hasegawa ThakuPine Trees, 1593

Geid refers to the various traditional Japanese arts disciplines:Noh(theater), kad(Japanese

flower arrangement), shod(Japanese calligraphy), Sad(Japanese tea ceremony), andyakimono

(Japanese pottery). All of these disciplines carry an ethical and aesthetic connotation and teach

an appreciation of the process of creation.[9]To introduce discipline into their training, Japanesewarriors followed the example of the arts that systematized practice through prescribed forms

calledkata- think of the tea ceremony. Training in combat techniques incorporated the way of

the arts (Geid), practice in the arts themselves, and instilling aesthetic concepts (for example,

yugen) and the philosophy of arts (geido ron). This led to combat techniques becoming known as

the martial arts (even today, David Lowry shows, in the 'Sword and Brush: the spirit of the

martial arts', the affinity of the martial arts with the other arts). All of these arts are a form oftacit communication and we can, and do, respond to them by appreciation of this tacitdimension.

Ens

Main article:Ens

Ens byKanjuro Shibata XX

Enso ca. 2000
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Ens () is a Japanese word meaning "circle". It symbolizes the Absolute, enlightenment,

strength, elegance, the Universe, and the void; it also may be taken to symbolize the Japanese

aesthetic itself. Zen Buddhist calligraphists may "believe that the character of the artist is fullyexposed in how she or he draws an ens. Only a person who is mentally and spiritually completecan draw a true ens. Some artists will practice drawing an ens daily, as a kind of spiritual

exercise."[15]

Aesthetics and Japan's cultural identities

Because of its nature, Japanese aesthetics has a wider relevance than is usually accorded to

aesthetics in the West. In her path making book,[16]

Eiko Ikegami reveals a complex history of

social life in which aesthetic ideals become central to Japan's cultural identities. She shows how

networks in the performing arts, the tea ceremony, and poetry shaped tacit cultural practices andhow politeness and politics are inseparable. She contends that what in Western cultures are

normally scattered, like art and politics, have been, and are, distinctly integrated in Japan.

After the introduction of Western notions in Japan, Wabi Sabi aesthetics ideals have been re-

examined with Western values, by both Japanese and non-Japanese. Therefore, recent

interpretations of the aesthetics ideals inevitably reflectJudeo-Christianperspectives andWestern philosophy.[17]

Gastronomy

Konpeitoin various colors.

Many traditional Japanese aesthetic criteria are manifest in, and discussed as part of, diverseelements ofJapanese cuisine;

[18]seekaisekifor a refined expression.

Kawaii

Main article:Kawaii
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A modern phenomenon, since the 1970scutenessor kawaii (?) inJapanese(literally,

"loveable" "cute" or "adorable") has become a prominent aesthetic ofJapanese popular culture,

entertainment,clothing,food,toys, personalappearance,behavior, and mannerisms.[19]

As a cultural phenomenon,cutenessis increasingly accepted inJapanas a part ofJapanese

cultureand national identity. Tomoyuki Sugiyama, author of "CoolJapan", believes that"cuteness" is rooted in Japan's harmony-loving culture, and Nobuyoshi Kurita, a sociology

professor atMusashi UniversityinTokyo, has stated that "cute" is a "magic term" thatencompasses everything that's acceptable and desirable in Japan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutenesshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutenesshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutenesshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Installing_Japanese_character_setshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Installing_Japanese_character_setshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_popular_culturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_popular_culturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_popular_culturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_street_fashionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_street_fashionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_street_fashionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_cuisinehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_cuisinehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_cuisinehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Designer_toyshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Designer_toyshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Designer_toyshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_physical_appearancehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_physical_appearancehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_physical_appearancehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behaviorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behaviorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behaviorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_aesthetics#cite_note-18http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_aesthetics#cite_note-18http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_aesthetics#cite_note-18http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutenesshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutenesshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutenesshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_culturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_culturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_culturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_culturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cool_%28aesthetic%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cool_%28aesthetic%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musashi_Universityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musashi_Universityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musashi_Universityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musashi_Universityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cool_%28aesthetic%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_culturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_culturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutenesshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_aesthetics#cite_note-18http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behaviorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_physical_appearancehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Designer_toyshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_cuisinehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_street_fashionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_popular_culturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Installing_Japanese_character_setshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuteness

Documents

Aesthetics of Japan