compiled work

Nemawashi

An introduction to Japanese
design aesthetics
Studio Sabi

2 | Introduction



4 | Introduction Gayathri Sumod
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Behind the Pages [email protected]
+91 9567860408
Devina Pagay
Delhi, India Riya Tripathi
[email protected] Delhi, India
+91 8826926749 [email protected]
+91 7490002624
Mahima Mahiyaria
Rajasthan, India Shuchi Singh
[email protected] Delhi, India
+91 8890895458 [email protected]
+91 965007197
Shtakshi Chawla
Haryana, India
[email protected]
+91 8930007034



6 | Introduction

CONTENTS

I SB W MS
N HU A IH
T ID B YI
R ND I AB
O TH
DOI BU
US S II
CM
T A
I
O B
N
I

06 08 10 14 20 24

I J YG EB

K O UE NI

I GI SB

H ED OL

A NO I

O

KG

YR

UA

P

H

Y

28 32 36 40 42 44

w
8 | Introduction

SHIBUI

SHINTO WABI SABI

Uptis simus mos es eum BUDDHISM Ra con et poresciatem il et MIYABI Ra con et pores-
ditate nobitistios aut ea inusa aut lautend ebitam, sequae ciatem il et aut
aute sus voloresequas estem dolla ventiuntium, secesci lautend ebitam,
quamet fuga. Illantor rescit dolorese res dis del maxim- sequae dolla ven-
voluptatem es et magnis pe lessequ isquiat int labo. tiuntium, secesci
molo et aborrore nam, que Itatur mi, te nimagnatem qui dolorese res
verum unt omni

Ra con et poresciatem il et Ra con et poresciatem il et
aut lautend ebitam, sequae aut lautend ebitam, sequae
dolla ventiuntium, secesci dolla ventiuntium, secesci
dolorese res dis del maxim- dolorese res dis del maxim-
pe lessequ isquiat int labo. pe lessequ isquiat int labo.
Itatur mi, te nimagnatem qui Itatur mi, te nimagnatem qui
vid qui reperio conserum, ius vid qui reperio conserum, ius

JO HA KYU GEIDO

Ra con et poresciatem il et Ra con et poresciatem il et

aut lautend ebitam, sequae aut lautend ebitam, sequae

dolla ventiuntium, secesci dolla ventiuntium, secesci

dolorese res dis del maxim- dolorese res dis del maxim-

pe lessequ isquiat int labo. pe lessequ isquiat int labo.

IKI Itatur mi, te nimagnatem qui YUGEN Itatur mi, te nimagnatem qui ENSO

Ra con et poresciatem Ra con et poresciatem il et Ra con et poresci-
il et aut lautend ebitam, aut lautend ebitam, sequae atem il et aut lautend
sequae dolla ventiun- dolla ventiuntium, secesci ebitam, sequae dolla
tium, secesci dolorese dolorese res dis del maxim- ventiuntium, secesci
res dis del maximpe pe lessequ isquiat int labo. dolorese res dis del
lessequ isqui Itatur mi, te nimagnatem qui maximpe lessequ is-
vid qui reperio conserum, ius quiat int labo. Itatur mi,

10| Introduction

Shinto is a blend of indigenous
Japanese folk practices, beliefs,
court manners, and spirit-
worship which dates back to
at least 600 CE.These beliefs
were unified as "Shinto" during
the Meiji era (1868-1912),
though the Chronicles of Japan
(Nihon Shoki) first referenced
the term in the eighth century.
Shinto has no set of doctrines
or founder, but draws from a
set of creation myths described
in books.

SHINTOISM

Shinto- also termed kami-no-michi, is a religion which originated in Japan, which revolves
around the kami (“gods” or “spirits”). With its emphasis on the wholeness of nature and
character in ethics, and its celebration of the landscape, it sets the tone for Japanese aesthetics.

Bokksu



12| Introduction

Laruse Junior

Shinto shrines were mostly The Nachi Shrine is a Shinto/Buddhist multiplex
temporary structures erected to
a particular purpose. Buddhism
brought to Japan the idea of
permanent shrines and the
presence of verandas, stone
lanterns, and elaborate gates.

Many have a false dormer
(chidorihafu) which looks like
a letter A rising upwards from
the roof above the entrance.
Verandas are a common
feature as the roof extends
beyond the building itself and
the eaves are supported by
brackets, ornate or plain. A
prodigious use of bright red
paint and decorative elements
is also quite common.

14| Introduction Shinto is frequently a theme in
Japanese popular culture, including
Spirited Away- Film film, manga, anime, and video games.
Shinto religion is at the core of
Japanese culture and history and as
such greatly affects the outcome of
pop culture in modern Japan.

Dream Saga- Manga

Most of the animations showcase Kami
while some video games showcase
themes such as sacredness of nature or
the place of magic .in everyday life. Shinto
stories or kami also appear in other works
of popular culture, including work set in
Japan but produced outside of the country.

Madama Butterly- Opera

Okami- Video Game

16| Introduction

Yabai

Jōe (translated as "pure cloth")
is a garment worn in Japan
by people attending religious
ceremonies and activities,
including Buddhist and Shinto
related occasions.
The jōe is essentially a white
kariginu, traditional hunting
robes worn by nobles. The
garment is wwwusually white
or yellow and is made of linen
or silk.

Hakama used to be a required
part of men’s wear, nowadays
typical Japanese men usually
wear hakama only on
extremely formal occasions and
at tea ceremonies, weddings,
and funerals. Hakama are also
regularly worn by practitioners
of a variety of martial arts.

older and younger boy wearing Hamaka

18| Introduction

BUDDHISM

In the Buddhist tradition, all things are considered as either evolving from or dissolving into
nothingness, it is rather a space of potentiality. Nature is seen as a dynamic whole that is to be
admired and appreciated. This appreciation of nature has been fundamental to many Japanese
aesthetic ideals, “arts,” and other cultural elements.

Britannica



The Golden Hall (kondō) at Yakushi-ji

20| Introduction

Early Buddhist temples were Genjō-sanzōin (Xuanzang Hall)
highly ornamental and strictly The two three-story pagodas, Tōtō and Saitō
symmetrical. There are three
types of structures associated
with the religious architecture
of early Buddhism: monasteries
(viharas), places to venerate relics
(stupas), and shrines or prayer
halls (chaityas, also called chaitya
grihas), which later came to be
called temples in some places.

The temple consists not only
of its buildings, but also the
surrounding environment. The
Buddhist temples are designed
to symbolize five elements: fire,
air, earth, water and wisdom.

22| Introduction Scroll calligraphy of Bodhidharma, by Hakuin
Ekaku (1686 to 1769)
Buddhist art displays a strikingly
classical style, with ample Hellenistic
dress and realistically rendered
body shape characteristic of Greco-
Buddhist art.

The motifs take artistic inspiration
from Greek floral scrolls which
can be found in the decoration of
Japanese roof tiles, one of the only
remaining element of wooden
architecture throughout centuries.

These motifs have evolved towards
more symbolic representations, but
essentially remain to this day in
many Japanese traditional buildings.

Splashed-ink Landscape (Haboku sansui), Detail of “Reading in a Bamboo Grove”, 1446, Shūbun
Sesshū, 1495, ink on silk, Asuka tiles on the roof of temples

24| Introduction

Fashion brands such as Bonuni and
J-Samue have made traditional Buddhist
clothing into something modern , which
combines traditional clothing production
techniques with modern technology.
Brands have also taken inspiration from
the nature and four seasons in Japan, to
make their products look quaint, elegant,
sophisticated yet modern.

Samue is the work clothing of Japanese
Zen Buddhist monks, worn when engaged
in samu. In modern times they have
become popular as general casual or work
wear.

A girl wearing a 19th century furisode, with her mother.

J-Samue J-Samue
Modern Samue

26| Introduction Axel Vervoordt: Wabi Inspirations
Flammarion, 2010
WABI-SABI

Wabi-sabi is the view of finding beauty in all sides of imperfection in nature. It is a concept
about the aesthetic of things that are “imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete”. The idea
disregards absolute symmetry and the need for perfection in everything. More than a
decorative style, Wabi-Sabi is a philosophy of life, a way of living and perceiving the world, to
peacefully accept the natural cycle of growth and decay inherent in life.



28| Introduction

This way of thinking has its most
punctual roots in Buddhist lessons,
and follows its conclusive beginning
back to Murata Shukō, a fifteenth
century researcher and designer of
the wabi-cha style of tea service,
which shunned the rich Chinese
ceramics that were stylish at the
time for less complex, more hearty
Japanese earthenware.

By limiting thusly, professionals
of this significant social and social
function could zero in on qualities
like humble respect (family) and
tranquility at the time (Jaku).Since
wabi-sabi’s beginnings, its exer-
cises of temporariness and defect
have affected numerous parts of
Japanese culture, from music and
verse to Zen gardens and bloom
course of action.

Wabi Sabi tea ceremony
Pinterest

Wabi-Sabi and the japanese tea ceremony
Path of Cha,2019

30| Introduction

Wabi Sabi paint print- Michael Fiorella The wabi-sabi wall-Sean Lee
Fine Art America Flickr

Wabi-sabi reminds us that we are all tran-
sient beings on this planet—that our bodies,
as well as the material world around us, are
in the process of returning to dust. Through
wabi-sabi, we learn to embrace both the
glory and the melancholy found in these
marks of passing time.

Wabi Sabi art print
Kenny Nyugen

32| Introduction

In product design, the concept
of wabi-sabi is seen through the
creation of products that value
originality and antiquity over
perfectionism. The Japanese art
of Kintsugi, of repairing broken
pottery by mending the areas of
breakage with lacquer dusted
or mixed with powdered gold,
treats breakage and repair as
part of an object’s history, rather
than something to disguise.

Similarly, creating a product
that intentionally looks
unfinished or imperfect and
using materials like unsanded,
disproprotional wood to make
them plays a crucial role in
wabi-sabi product design.

Picture on top right- Kintsugi bowl,
Imgur
Picture on bottom right- Wabi sabi
table
ildare.unas.hu

Living the Japanese wabi- Interiors & design practice
sabi ethos brings a reassuring Axel Vervoordt
sense of peace. We may
recognize surprising beauty This translates to interior
in weathered artifacts and design through furniture built
raw materials we find around from bare knotted timber,
us until we embrace life’s floors of rustic stone, pitted
transience and imperfection. concrete walls and surfaces,
woven rugs, and intriguing
hand-made textiles.

34| Introduction

When it comes to fashion, many
brands have shifted their focus to
sustainability and slow fashion, and
this can be attained by following
the concept of wabi-sabi. Brands
like houseofwabisabi, Manonik and
Kapital are up and coming brands
that have helped bring the wabi-sabi
aesthetic into the mainstream and help
consumers take pride in imperfections.

Images courtesy- MANONIK archives

36| Introduction ShichiFuku Jin-Flickr

MIYABI

Miyabi is one of the oldest of the traditional Japanese aesthetic ideals, In modern Japanese, the
word is usually translated as “elegance,” “refinement,” or “courtliness” and sometimes referred
to as “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 as to achieve the highest grace.”



38| Introduction

Miyabi is the appreciation of Adherence to the ideals of mi-
beauty thats gradually tinged yabi strove to rid the world of
with sadness.This sensitivity crude aesthetics and emotions
to beauty was a hallmark of that were common in artworks
the Heian era(794-1185) in of the period and lead to cen-
Japan. It was said that only the sorship of everyday metaphors
members of the upper class and storytelling. This lead to
could truly appreciate miyabi the brief creation of artworks,
and its ideals. The aesthetic literature and architecture that
is closely connected to the displayed miyabi before being
notion of Mono no aware, a overtaken by other aesthetics
bittersweet awareness of the like Iki, Wabi sabi and Yugen.
transience of things, and thus
it was thought that things in
decline showed a great sense
of miyabi.

Picture on the left- Illustration of the
“Tale of Genji” by Tosa Mitsuokithat
shows noble women beside a lone
cherry blossom tree- a recurrent symbol
in miyabi philosophy.
Wikipedia
Picture on the right-Kinkakuji (the Gold-
en Pavillion) in Kyoto, Japan, architecture
constructed during the Heian Era based
on miyabi
Freepik



40| Introduction

Miyabi is the pleasures of the
aristocrat educated to discern the
subtle mix of colors in the kimono,
or the perfume of a rare plant that
bespeak miyabi. In addition to objects
and experiences, people can also be
endowed with miyabi. The miyabi
individual is cultured, dignified, and
strongly adheres to decorum.

Picture on the left: Tools used to practice
miyabi etiquette- chopsticks and hair
accesories
Miyabi Blog
Picture on the right:-Geisha (called “Geiko”
in kyoto, dressed in complete meiko (geisha
apprentice) attire, described “miyabi” or
elegant.
infringe.com

42| Introduction

Miyabi is found in
the minutiae of one’s
surroundings, in the gestures
and rituals that mark the
passage of an ordinary day,
and in the expansive sense
of soul that the creation of
beauty evokes. .

In interior design miyabi
would mean having
the finest, cleanest
craftsmanship that is
stripped back to its elegant
bones. The home would be
kept clean and orderly at all
times

Picture on the left: Presence of
Miyabi in interior design- room kept
simple and elegant.
Shichifuku Jin
Flickr

Picture on the right:-Interior design
of a room that follows miyabi eti-
quettes.
Japanese design blog
wooden-blinds-direct



44| Introduction

SHIBUI

Originating in the Muromachi period (1336–1392) as “shibushi,” the term originally referred to a sour or astringent taste,
such as that of an unripe persimmon. Shibui still maintains that literal meaning, and remains the antonym of “amai,” meaning
“sweet”. Shibui can apply to a wide variety of subjects, not just art or fashion. It is a broad term that can mean irregularity of
form, openness to nature, roughness of texture, and the naturalness of daily life. Also known as Shibusa, it refers as well
to the Japanese “Seven aspects of being” which are simplicity, implicitness, modesty, silence, naturalness, roughness and
normalcy.



46| Introduction

Favors honesty, simple and subtle beauty Aligned with nature

Picture on the left: The Japanese Influence of shibui
discipline of Shibui was adopted for its
celebration of complexity and restraint.
The approach to the house is stripped
of adornment and presents a strong,
minimal composition.

Picture on the right: Constructed to
experience the test of time and embrace
elegance, this home with an unobtrusive
aesthetic and restrained size takes
inspiration from Shibui.

48| Introduction

Depicting the color pal-
late of the Shibui

Japanese pottery is an example of the shibui design aesthetic. Objects often
feature asymmetry and uneven raw textures but they can also include more
refined, glazed surfaces. The objective is to draw attention to the awe inspiring
detail of the natural world.
Objects used in the chanoyu tea ceremony epitomise the unobtrusive
sophistication of shibui – each piece serves a function to the whole experience.
Overall shibui is soothing and fulfilling, it is the highest sense of aesthetic
restraint where showiness is avoided and the use of silver-grey “muddy” tones
prevails.

Ikebana demonstrates the shibui aesthetic by drawing
attention to the everyday life around us that often goes
unnoticed. Familiar materials, presented in unfamiliar
ways, ask us to slow down and look again, closer. Through
observation, intricate details reveal meaning… we begin to
see the world and ourselves as an integral part of it, with
clarity.

50| Introduction Interesting thing about Shibui is that
many of the modern artists have used
Woman irons” original painting this technique without even knowing
by Claudio Ghirardo about it.

Picasso used to say, “Painting is
stronger than me. It makes me do
things I normally wouldn’t do” and
Matisse once said, “I have done things
I know that I cannot do,” so it seems
that many artists do use this process
as naturally as one breathes.