Nemawashi

A petty knife is a Japanese style
cooking knife which resembles a
small chef’s knife.Shibui arrives
in packaging where you can
see the knife subtly behind the
frosted panel and transparent
plastic sealing.

Abidur Chowdhury 2018 Abidur Chowdhury 2018

The design looks to create a
consistent connection between the
blade of the knife and the handle
by creating a blended bolster.
The blade is made up of a cast
high carbon steel which is further
hardened and hand sharpened

Slow living- Nadinoo52 | Shibui

"“Shibui” has originated to bring the wave of simplicity and
sustainability in our ‘environmentally polluted’ world. One step at
a time, one stitch at a time! Shibui, represents the aesthetic and
subtle handcrafted fashion. Sustainable luxury is a quality woven
from the place of consciousness With the alarming need to save our
planet from pollution to curbing child labour, fast fashion has slowly
damaged our environment. It has now become a challenge to wear a
garment more than five times!

Muted color tones , loose fabrics

54 | Iki

IKI

“Iki” is a Japanese aesthetic sense and a concept . The oldest and widest spread of all the Japanese aesthetics. Iki’ shares
characteristics such as an orientation toward simple beauty in common with other Japanese aesthetic concepts like wabi (a state
of calm, quiet subtlety which avoids being gaudy or showy) and sabi (austere elegance which reflects simplicity and loneliness).
Originally “iki” came into use among samurais to designate those who were brave, smart and honorable. But gradually “iki” began
to expand its meaning to include everything that was elegant and distinguished but without pretending, without being arrogant
or overly exuberant.

Martial arts depicting spontaneity

56 | Content

The urban elegance of iki

Japanese homes are often finished
in light-coloured wood, which
conveys a peaceful atmosphere.

The minimalist ethos of these ideals
continue to bear influence on the
work of art and design luminaries
from Japan and around the world.

Side Table - TRE A uniquely designed side table
with three oak square timbers
arranged in an exquisite
balance and a thin steel top
plate placed on it. One of the
points is the asymmetrical
design.

Curve Wooden Dining Chair

Perfect for a chic space based
on monotone.

Round shape, smooth curves,
gray plywood that shines like
silver. A unique and modern
design dining chair reminiscent
of the beauty of the “moon”.

58 | Iki The elegenace of Modern Geisha

Dressed in a colourful kimono
made of heavy, shiny fabrics,
white socks in the feet .
Geisha must be very skilled
at traditional Japanese music,
dance, and poetry.
They created iki as a style
that gave more importance to
conversation and wit.

Geisha are called geiko in
Kyoto and are the symbol of
the Japanese culture. Geisha
literally means ‘women of art’.
There face painted completely
white, bright red lips and
glittering eyes.

A kimono is made fromRepetition of similar motif
a single bolt of cloth. It
takes outstanding skills to
create a kimono. A whole
bolt of fabric (tan) is used
to make only one kimono.

Wooden sticks made into a umbrella

Motifs typically represent
either the flora, fauna,
landscape or otherwise
culture of Japan - such as
cherry blossoms.

60 | Jo- Ha- Kyu Koto is a Japanese plucked half-tube zither instrument, and the national instrument of Japan.

The Japanese call it Jo-Ha-Kyu — literally “beginning, break, rapid.” The philosophy of Jo-Ha-Kyu is central to
many Japanese arts, from kendo to the iconic tea ceremony to music . It’s best known as the dramatic structure of
traditional Japanese theater forms such as kabuki and noh. It begins with exposition, the action builds to a climactic
moment, then there’s a cool down where loose ends are settled and the action simmers down, until everything is
finally resolved, also practiced in various type of music and instruments.



62 | Jo- Ha- Kyu

‘Go’ short form of japanese word Igo is
an abstaract strategy board game. More
than 2,500 years old and is believed to
be the oldest board game continuously
played to the present day.

Go is an adversarial game with the
objective of surrounding a larger
total area of the board with one’s
stones than the opponent . Basic
principle of Go is that a group of
stones must have at least one open
point bordering the group, known as
a liberty, to remain on the board.

Woman Playing Go (Tang Dynasty c. 744)

Also known as Japanese chess orA traditional Japanese set, with a solid wooden floor board
the Game of Generals, is a two-
player strategy board game that is
the Japanese variant of chess. It is
the most popular chess
variant in Japan.

Each piece has its name written
on its surface in the form of two
kanji (Chinese characters used in
Japanese), usually in black ink.

A traditional shōgi ban (shogi board) displaying a set of koma (pieces)

64 | Jo- Ha- Kyu

Jo-ha-kyu is an ancient term Ceiling of the stage
originating in Noh Theatre.
It first appeared in the 14th century
writings of the master Zeami
Motokyo, who used it to describe
the development of story and action
in Noh drama. In theatre, music, and
literature, johakyu encapsulates
the idea, in simplest terms, of a
beginning, middle and end.

Like Noh drama, kabuki follows the
principle of jo-ha-kyu. The structure
of the scenes, play structure,
andeven series of plays in a day-
long program follow. Traditional
plays are performed in five acts.

Noh theatre actor

Kabuki theatre performance

Jo- ha- kyu method had
been adapted , pertaining
not only to music, but
to other Medias as well.
‘Still The Water’ and ‘The
Mourning Forest’ are great
representation of
this adaptation.

The Mourning Forest by Naomi Kawase Still The Water by Naomi Kawase

66 | Yugen

Yūgen refers to serene, subtle beauty rather than colorful and cheerful, which can be explained by its connection
to Buddhism. Calm beauty helps clear religious vision, whereas vibrant, flamboyant beauty may distract from
reaching enlightenment. Yūgen is a word that has no translation in English, but it is a feeling we will all have felt.
It has been loosely summed up as “an awareness of the universe that triggers emotional responses too deep and
powerful for words”, but has also been called “mysterious grace”, “subtle profundity” and the
“beauty of the unseen.”

White petaled Sakura Calm Scene

68 | Yugen

Mount Fuji

Serene view of flowers floating on water

Motoyiko Zeami, a Japanese aesthetician from the 14th and 15th
centuries, described Yūgen as: “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.” They seem to
take place when people are overwhelmed with strong positive
emotions, and people who do this seem to recover better from
those strong emotions.” Yūgen tells us that it is okay to have a
break, to stop on your way somewhere and enjoy the play of light
on the road. Just contemplate and feel the present moment!

70 | Yugen

The meaning of Yūgen is beauty thats
not just about the seen but the unseen.
It a sense of calm that comes from the
subtle awareness of hidden beauty which
encapsulates this piece with the intricate
half blind dovetailed drawers that are
exposed upon opening. Or the subtle
details of the double bridle jointed legs
and wedged tenon braces. The Yūgen is
truly an heirloom quality piece.

Ash coloured Multi-Utility Furniture Piece Henley and Kille Yūgen inspired Furniture

Weight: 25 Kg | Dimensions 62 x 40 x 69 cm

The Yūgen is a real showcase
of beautiful hand made
woodworking and furniture
design. Its referred to as a utility
piece meaning it is able to be
used for multiple purposes, be
it in the bedroom as a bedside
stand, the office for paperwork or
the living room as a side stand.

72 | Geido Handcrafted minimal pottery utensils

GEID

Geidō refers to the various traditional Japanese arts disciplines: Noh (theater), kadō (Japanese
flower arrangement), shodō (Japanese calligraphy), Sadō (Japanese tea ceremony), and
yakimono (Japanese pottery). All of these disciplines carry an ethical and aesthetic connotation
and teach an appreciation of the process of creation.



74 | Geido

Matcha Tea Ceremony (Sado) Preparations Traditional Shodo Calligraphy Style

Sado or chado, literally “The Way
of Tea” in Japanese, refers to the
teachings of the traditional tea
ceremony. The aesthetic of sado
is displayed in the tea utensils,
teaware, and tearoom and
garden where seasonal Japanese
confections are served. It continues
to be an art form integral to
Japanese culture today.

However, the Japanese tea
ceremony is more than simply
sipping a brew. This highly stylized
ritual teaches basic etiquettes,
hospitality, and even the Zen
philosophy of everyday life, the path
of devoting your life to art.

In Japan, there are many traditions
and culture that has been passed
down for ages. Shodo or calligraphy
is one of them; a cultural art form that
unites writing and text stylistically.
In this article, we will feature the
Japanese art of shodo calligraphy.

76 | Enso Enso in water

The ensō symbolizes absolute enlightenment, strength, elegance, the universe, and mu (the void). It is
characterised by a minimalism born of Japanese aesthetics. The circle may be open or closed. An incomplete
circle allows for movement and development as well as the perfection of all things. Zen practitioners relate
the idea to wabi-sabi, the beauty of imperfection. Whereas a closed circle represents perfection, akin to Plato’s
perfect form, the reason why the circle was used for centuries in the construction of cosmological models
This circle can also sometimes be desicribed as a mirror of it’s painters - reflecting who you are and what you
think or feel now, as you paint it.



78 | Enso

Arouse teh mind without letting it settle anywhere A circle becomes the universe

The Enso, or Zen circle, is one of the most
appealing themes in Zen art.
It is hand-drawn in one or two uninhibited
brushstrokes to express a moment when
the mind is free to let the body create. Zen
is a circle of vast space where nothing is
lacking and nothing is held in excess. Its
meaning alludes to the beginning and end
of everything, the cycle of life, and the
interdependence of all things.

Drawing ensō is a disciplined-creative
practice of Japanese ink painting, sumi-e. The
tools and mechanics are the same as those
used in traditional Japanese calligraphy: One
uses an ink brush to apply ink to washi (a thin
Japanese paper) The paintings showed not
only the spiritual quality of the artist, but the
uniqueness of each moment in time as well.
The minimum expression of this artwork
gives a good opportunity to look back at
oneself and even to find the true self.

Enko-ji temple

80 | Enso Picture on the left : The Enso Dress
by Lovebirds is an embodiment
Enso dress by Lovebirds of functionality, timelessness,
modernity and playfulness as the
inherent elements that standy by
the brands beliefs. The dress is
made with clean lines, elegant form
of the circle and refined proportions
focusing on relaxed tailoring that
effortlessly combines menswear
detailing with a feminine sensibility.

Picture on the right : In the Enso
light, a circle define balance by
halving all the light elements stay
in perfect proportion, fixing the
magnet. The circle stabilizes by
halving the beams into two identical
light-shadow arcs.
The light’s physical shape merges
into the arcs and becomes a
tranquil whole

Enso Light by Mayasam Khankeshlou

82

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ikebana by Nishiyama Hayato Madama Butterfly (Opera)

Photo by: Tetsuya Miura Photo from: Wikipedia
https://tetsuyamiura.com/still-life/#frame-4 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madama_Butterfly
Page 8 Page 15

Japanese Interior Design Concepts Hakama worn by practitioners of Martial Arts

Photo from: Unity financial Photo from: Aikikai
http://unityfinancial.com.au/News.aspx?NewsId=837 https://www.aikikai-plouzane.fr/equipement/
Page 9 Page 16

Itsukushima Shrine’s Floating Gate in Miyajima Hakama worn by brothers

Photo from: KCP International Photo from: Flickr
https://www.kcpinternational.com/2015/03/itsukushima-shrine-and-its-floating-torii/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimoconnell/292871108/in/photolist
Page 10 Page 17

Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine The Great Buddha

Photo from: Pixabay Photo from: Britannica
https://pixabay.com/es/photos/templo-jap%C3%B3n-ca%C3%ADda-de-agua-rojo https://www.britannica.com/topic/Buddhism/Pure-Land#/media/1/83184/250318.
Page 12 Page 19

Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine Yakushi-Ji Temple

Photo from: Flickr Photo from: World History Encyclopedia
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rogertwong/26384188422 https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10781/main-hall-yakushiji/
Page 13 Page 20

Spirited Away (Poster) Three- story pagodas, Toto and Saito

Photo from: Wikipedia Photo from: Wikimedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirited_Away https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yakushiji_Nara06s3s4440.jpg
Page 14 Page 21

Dream Saga (Manga Cover) Genjō-sanzōin (Xuanzang Hall)

Photo from: Wikipedia Photo from: Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_Saga https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yakushi-ji#/media/File:Yakushiji_Nara21n4592.jpg
Page 14 Page 21

Ōkami (Video game cover) Scroll calligraphy by Hakuin Ekaku depicting Bodhidharma

Photo by: Artist- Sawaki Takeyasu and others, from Wikipedia Photo from: Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%8Ckami https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakuin_Ekaku#/media/File:Bodhidarma.jpg
Page 15 Page 22

Splashed ink landscape, painted by Sesshū Tōyō Wabi-Sabi and the japanese tea ceremony

Photo from: Da Vinci Publishing Photo from: Path of Cha,2019
https://davinci-edition.com/sesshu_-_haboku-sansui-copia/ https://pathofcha.com/blogs/all-about-tea/wabi-sabi-and-the-japanese-tea-ceremony
Page 23 Page 29

Reading in a bamboo Grove, painted by Tensho Shubun Wabi Sabi paint print

Photo from: Tuitearte Painting by: Michael Fiorella, from Fineart America
https://rb.gy/v0xy5f https://fineartamerica.com/wall-art
Page 23 Page 30

Asuka Period roof tile The wabi-sabi wall-Sean Lee

Photo from: Ekdukalife Photo by: Sean Lee, from Flickr
https://edukalife.blogspot.com/2016/01/antonio-narino-notable-biographies.html https://www.flickr.com/photos/leesean/6167311363
Page 23 Page 30

Furisode Kimono Wabi Sabi art print

Photo from: NB Gallery Painting by: Kenny Nyugen, from saatchiart
http://nbgallery.blogspot.com/2011/11/toyohara-chikanobu.html?view=magazine https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Printmaking-Wabi-sabi/807072/2602822/view
Page 24 Page 31

Modern Samue Kintsugi bowl

Photo from: Bonuni Photo from: Welum.com
https://bonuni.com/en/wa-no-kaze/ https://welum.com/article/kintugi-art-antique-modern-art/
Page 25 Page 32

Samue Kaza-Goshi with Kimono style skirt Wabi sabi table

Photo from: Bonuni Photo from: Ildare.unas.hu
https://bonuni.com/en/item/code044/ http://ildare.unas.hu/spl/183296/Butorok-vabi-szabi
Page 25 Page 32

Axel Vervoordt: Wabi Inspirations Axel Vervoordt: Wabi Inspirations

Photo from: Axel Vervoordt: Wabi Inspirations(book) by Axel Vervoordt and Michael Photo from: Axel Vervoordt: Wabi Inspirations(book) by Axel Vervoordt and Michael Paul
Paul https://www.axel-vervoordt.com/books/wabi-inspirations
https://www.axel-vervoordt.com/books/wabi-inspirations Page 33
Page 26
Collection inspired by wabi sabi
Wabi Sabi Japanese Tea ceremony
Photo from: Manonik archives
Photo from: Pinterest http://www.manonik.com/archive
https://www.pinterest.com.mx/pin/295337688043674437/ Page 34-35
Page 28

84 | Bibliography Ikebana - caption missing (right)

Miyabi interior design Photo from: whitemocassini
https://whitemocassini.tumblr.com/post/63816204165
Photo from: Wooden blinds website Page 49
https://www.wooden-blinds-direct.co.uk/blog/japanese-design-part-3-miyabi/
Page 37 Woman irons” original painting

Illustration of the “Tale of Genji” by Tosa Mitsuokithat Artist: Claudio Ghirardo
http://painterskeys.com/shibui/
Photo from: Wikipedia Page 50
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miyabi
Page 38 Abidur Chowdhury 2018

Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto, Japan Photo by: Abidur Chowdhury
https://www.abidurchowdhury.com/#/shibui/
Photo from: Freepik Page 51
https://bit.ly/2P3kXO3
Page 39 Slow Living - Nadinoo

Tools used to practice miyabi etiquette Photo by: Nadinoo
https://www.nadinoo.com/s-h-i-b-u-i-e-w-e-a-r/haiku-jacket-fine-raw-silk
Photo from: Miyabi Blog Page 52
https://www.miyabi.cz/en/2020/07/07/different-names-for-chopsticks/
Page 40 Caption missing

Geiko-san and Meiko-san Photo by: Anyka
https://rebel6.tumblr.com/post/123007529189
Photo from: Tumblr Page 55
https://okiya.tumblr.com/post/32065632816
Page 41 The urbance elegance of iki

Miyabi interior design Photo by: Michele Koh Morollo
https://sg.asiatatler.com/life/japanese-style-lighting-for-the-minimalist
Photo from: Wooden blinds website Page56
https://www.wooden-blinds-direct.co.uk/blog/japanese-design-part-3-miyabi/
Page 42 Curve Wooden Dining Chair

Miyabi interior design Photo from: Kanamono
https://kanademono.design/products/dch-k02
Photo from: Wooden blinds website Page 57
https://www.wooden-blinds-direct.co.uk/blog/japanese-design-part-3-miyabi/
Page 43 Side Table - TRE

Slow Collection 2019 Photo from: Kanamono
https://kanademono.design/products/dch-k02
Photo from: Tinekhome Page 57
https://www.tinekhome.com/en/collection/vases-85/?page=2
Page 45 The elegance of modern geisha

Favors honesty, simple and subtle beauty (left) Photo from: Freepik https://www.freepik.com/premium-photo/portaite-beauti-
ful-asian-woman-kimono_8159461.html
Photo from: From Studio Brent Lee Page58
https://bit.ly/3sHPBup
Page 46

Wooden sticks made into a umbrella Serene View of flowers floating on water

Photo from: Freepik Photo from: Unsplash by Bundo Kim
https://www.freepik.com/premium-photo/beautiful-asian-woman-walking-gar- https://unsplash.com/photos/ym_PHqXJ-sU
den_8159459.htm Page 69
Page 58
Ash coloured Multi-utility Furniture Piece
Woman Playing Go
Photo from: Henley and Kille
(Tang Dynasty c.744) https://henleyandkilledotcodotuk.wpcomstaging.com/product/yugen/
Page 62 Page 70

Noh theatre actor Henley and Kille Yūgen inspired Furniture

Photo from: Flickr by 杲 Photo from: Henley and Kille
https://www.flickr.com/photos/barbery/15254777875/ https://henleyandkilledotcodotuk.wpcomstaging.com/product/yugen/
Page 64 Page 70

Ceiling of the stage Weight: 25 Kg | Dimensions 62 x 40 x 69 cm

Photo from: flickr By chris meyer Photo from Henley and Kille
https://www.flickr.com/photos/chunsa88/3585136015/in/photostream/ https://henleyandkilledotcodotuk.wpcomstaging.com/product/yugen/
Page 64 Page 71

Kabuki theatre performance https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_aesthetics#Yūgen
https://www.shiseido.com.sg/ginza-edit_japanese-beauty_06.html
Photo by: EMS Entertainment from https://asia361.com/2015/09/14/ebizo-ichikawa-xis- Page 67
japan-theater-returns-to-singapore-giveaway/
Page 64 https://goodmorningaomori.wordpress.com/2019/05/01/japanese-aesthet-
ics-life-as-an-aesthetic-experience/
The Mourning Forest Page 69

Photo by: Naomi Kawase https://henleyandkilledotcodo-wwwtuk.wpcomstaging.com/product/yugen/
https://letterboxd.com/film/the-mourning-forest/ Page 70-71
Page 65
Handcrafted Minimal Pottery Utensils
Still The Water
Photo from: Only Deco Love by Katerina Dima
Photo by: Naomi Kawase https://www.onlydecolove.com/2015/08/eva-solo-unveils-beautiful-winter.html
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3230162/ Page 73
Page 65
Matcha Tea Ceremony (Sado) Preparations
White petaled Sakura Calm Scene
Photo from: fivehundredpx by Takao Tsushima
Photo from: Unsplash by Fu Yonghua https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/201043570838726895/
https://unsplash.com/photos/DbHa1jJNlDE Page 74
Page 66
Traditional Shodo Calligraphy Style
Mount Fuji
Photo from: Matcha
Photo from: Unsplash by Aditya Anjagi https://matcha-jp.com/en/2669
https://unsplash.com/photos/KZSDCocsOEE Page 75
Page 68

86 | Bibliography Buddhism in Japan
Text from: Wikipedia
‘Enso in Water’ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Japan
Page 20
Photo by: Tyler Barnet
https://rb.gy/lstwkm Buddhist architecture
Page 77 Text from: Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_architecture
Arouse the mind without letting it settle anywhere! - Kankei Jomin Page 20

Photo from: Zen Paintings Buddhist temple
http://zenpaintings.com/article-enso.htm Text from: Wikipedia
Page 78 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_temple
Page 20
A circle becomes like the Universe! - by Yamada Reirin
Buddhism in Japan
Photos from: Zen paintings Text from: Wikipedia
http://zenpaintings.com/article-enso.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Japan
Page 78 Page 22

Enkō-ji temple, Kyoto, Japan - By Fabrizio Chiagano Buddhism in Japan
Text from: Wikipedia
Photo from: Unsplash https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Japan
https://unsplash.com/photos/rDwIXsgb2LY Page 24
Page 79
Yūgen | Traditional Kyoto.
Enso Dress Text from: Traditional Kyoto
https://traditionalkyoto.com/culture/yugen/
Photos from: Instagram Page 18
https://www.instagram.com/lovebirds.studio/
Page 80 Buddhism in Japan
Text from: Wikipedia.
Enso Light by Maysam Khankeshlou https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Japan
Page 20
Photos from: Coroflot by Mayasam Khankeshlou
https://www.coroflot.com/maysamkhankeshlou/Enso-Light Buddhist temple
Page 81 Text from: Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_temple
Jōe Page 20

Text from: Wikipedia Buddhism in Japan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C5%8De Text from: Wikipedia.
Page 16-17 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_in_Japan
Page 22
Hakama
Samue
Text from: Wikipedia Text from: Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamishimo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samue
Page 16-17 Page 24

Japanese aesthetics
Text from: Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_aesthetics
Page 18

Wabi-Sabi: The Art Of Imperfection Wooden Curve Round Dining Chair Gray
Text from: Utne.com Text from:KANADEMONO.
https://www.utne.com/mind-and-body/wabi-sabi https://kanademono.design/en/products/olt-059
Page 30 Page 56-57

Miyabi / Japanese Aesthetic Sense Geisha Facts for Kids
Text from: ART NOMURA. Text from:KidzSearch.com.
https://nomurakakejiku.com/lesson_lineup/miyabi https://wiki.kidzsearch.com/wiki/Geisha
Page 36 Page 58-59

Miyabi Interesting Facts About the Kimono
Text from:Wikipedia Text from:KCP Japanese Language
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miyabi https://rb.gy/jupnfa
Page 38 Page 58-59

Introduction to Japanese Aesthetics Go (game)
Text from:TOKI. Text from: Wikipedia.
https://www.toki.tokyo/blogt/2017/2/8/japanese-aesthetics https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_(game)
Page 41-42 Page 62-63

Shibui Shogi
Text from:Unique Japan. Text from: Wikipedia.
https://new.uniquejapan.com/ikebana/shibui/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shogi
Page 48-49 Page 62-63

Captivating ceramics and shibui Jo Ha Kyu
Text from:That Creative Feeling. Text from: ejmas.com.
https://thatcreativefeeling.com/captivating-ceramics-and-shibui/ https://ejmas.com/tin/2007tin/tinart_boylan_0703.html
Page 48-49 Page 64-64

Shibui on Behance. Japanese Aesthetics: Life as an Aesthetic Experience
Text from: Behance Text from: Goodmorningmaori
https://www.behance.net/gallery/60197911/Shibui https://rb.gy/sc8qgu
Page 50-51 Page 67

As I mean to go on Yugen: A Traditional Japanese Aesthetic
Text from:Yarn Harlot. Text from:Shiseido.
https://www.yarnharlot.ca/2020/12/as-i-mean-to-go-on/ https://www.shiseido.com.sg/ginza-edit_japanese-beauty_06.html
Page 52 Page 67

Japanese Design, Part 4 - Iki Yugen: A Traditional Japanese Aesthetic
Text from: Wooden Blinds Direct. Text from:Shiseido.
https://rb.gy/o2j2og https://www.shiseido.com.sg/ginza-edit_japanese-beauty_06.html
Page 54 Page 69

9 Japanese-Inspired Lighting Pieces For The Minimalist The Skeleton Video Everyone’s Getting Emotional Over.
Text from: Sg.asiatatler Text From:Yahoo
https://sg.asiatatler.com/life/japanese-style-lighting-for-the-minimalist https://rb.gy/qvtalp
Page 56-57 Page 69

88 | Acknowledgement

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to thank Ms. Simar Dhamija and Mrs. Siddhali Doshi
for mentoring us through the course of the development of this book
and giving us this opportunity.



90 |



92 | Content

When people think of Japanese design, they envision minimal, uncluttered spaces with few well-
designed products kept in designated areas. Whether consciously or not, contemporary Japanese
designers have carried on the legacy of Japanese arts and crafts, which have enabled them to create
their particular system — simple, white, delicate and meticulous — now recognised by the world as
Japanese design. Japanese design is more than just an aesthetic – it’s a philosophy rooted in ancient
ideas and schools of thought. Each aesthetic notion describes an object and the atmosphere around
it, and the mood it creates in the beholder. This book looks at the nine design aesthetics of Japan and
their influence in the creative field.

˙ ˙Studio Sabi