Wabi-sabi (わびさび, Wabi-sabi) is a unique concept in Japanese aesthetics that emphasizes simplicity and serenity. This concept is heavily influenced by the three seals of the Dharma in Theravada Buddhism – the impermanence of all actions, the absence of self in all dharmas, the silence of nirvana, and especially the notion of impermanence. As a result, wabi-sabi is often understood as a tranquil and minimalist beauty associated with Zen Buddhism. It can be understood as "Zen silence".
Today's article focuses on the following perspectives
01. What is wabi-sabi style?
02. The origin of the wabi-sabi style
03. The conceptual conception of wabi-sabi style
04. Design elements commonly used in wabi-sabi style
What is Wabi-sabi style?
The wabi-sabi style, or Wabi-sabi, is rooted in a uniquely Japanese aesthetic that emphasizes a natural, unintentional beauty. This aesthetic concept originated from the appreciation of simplicity itself, which is manifested in the pursuit of no conspicuous decoration or superficial ornity, but an emphasis on the inner texture and simple beauty of objects that have been tempered by time.
What is unique to wabi-sabi is its respect for and acceptance of the beauty of imperfection and brokenness, and it allows people to feel the dialogue between objects and time by showing the traces of objects and the imprints left by time.
From the perspective of wabi-sabi, simple and quiet things naturally reveal a rough and delicate beauty. "Wabi" refers to the beauty of simplicity and serenity, while "silence" represents the luster and depth of an object over time.
This aesthetic is not only visual, but also a perceptual experience, encouraging us to appreciate details that are often overlooked in everyday life, such as a weathered piece of wood furniture or a cracked clay bowl. The aesthetic consciousness of wabi-sabi is gloomy, dull, rough, and mournful to convey its consciousness.
The origin of the wabi-sabi style
The origin and evolution of the wabi-sabi style has undergone cross-cultural influences and historical deepening. Originally, the concept of "wabi-sabi" originated from Taoism in the Song Dynasty of China, and was further developed by the spread of Zen Buddhism. During the Southern Song Dynasty, the monk Eisai brought Zen Buddhism from China to Japan, thus profoundly shaping Japanese culture.
The philosophical foundations of wabi-sabi aesthetics were inspired by Taoist thought and Zen Buddhism, while the emotional atmosphere of the mind was influenced by the desolate and minimalist aesthetics of poetry and ink painting in the Tang and Song dynasties.
In the historical context, the concepts of "wabi" and "silence" have rich origins and evolutions. Take Qu Yuan's sentence in "Lisao" as an example, "Yu Wabi is still in poverty, and I am poor and poor at this time", in which the word "wabi" expresses a state of depression and hardship in life. In the 14th century, this feeling gradually evolved into a positive psychological state, from the pessimism and troubles of facing life to an attitude of living in peace and happiness, which was aesthetically embodied in a simple and quiet aesthetic pursuit.
"Silence" is mentioned in ancient texts such as "Vain Grass" to describe the ancient atmosphere exuded by old books, showing that people at that time had an aesthetic sense of appreciating the beauty of the old. In wabi-sabi aesthetics, "silence" describes a kind of beauty with the characteristics of depression and decay, and this beauty has a unique and far-reaching meaning.
The conceptual conception of wabi-sabi style
【Asymmetrical Aesthetics】
Wabi-sabi profoundly embodies an aesthetic principle of asymmetry, in contrast to the traditional symmetrical equilibrium of the native since ancient times. This aesthetic emphasizes the unique form and structure of objects in nature, rejecting almost any symmetrical elements.
【Incomplete/Pursuit of Truth】
The philosophy of wabi-sabi is "the beauty of incompleteness", which expresses a pursuit of truth. In the wabi-sabi vision, the shape, texture, color, and luster of the objects all show a deliberately maintained imperfection, and these mutilated features not only add visual depth, but also convey the traces of time and the authenticity of experience, touching the deep aesthetic feeling of the human heart.
【Old Things/Time Lapse】
In addition, the wabi-sabi style cherishes the "old" that has been baptized by time, and these objects often show signs of age, such as wear, mottled or moss-covered. This appreciation of old objects is not seen as a flaw, but as a testament to the beauty of nature, reflecting the interaction of objects with time. By giving objects a story of time, the wabi-sabi style presents a unique natural beauty shaped by time.
The conceptual conception of wabi-sabi style
【Mottled wall】
The wabi-sabi style tends to use extremely uneven walls to accentuate the natural texture and colour variations of the walls. This mottled form of expression, through the visual effect created by the original and free technique, shows a purity and simplicity extracted from the natural world. The different shades of color and rough texture on the walls provide the viewer with a visual sense of history and the heaviness of time.
【Handmade products】
Handicrafts play a vital role in wabi-sabi, and these handmade objects such as weaving, ceramics or woodware reflect the essence of the local culture and the ingenuity of the craftsmen. Each handmade item retains its unique traces and textures from the time it was made, and these imperfect details are in line with Wabi-sabi's aesthetic philosophy, enhancing the artistic value and emotional depth of the object.
【Wooden furniture】
In the wabi-sabi style, the furniture is often made of wood that has not been overly treated, emphasizing the natural nature of the material and the traces of time. The weathering marks and natural textures on the surface of these wooden furniture exude a vicissitudes of beauty without additional decoration. Their presence not only provides practicality, but also serves as a vehicle for telling the story of time in space.
【Plain Floral】
Wabi-sabi's floral design emphasizes the natural decaying beauty of plants, such as dry branches and withered flowers. This design style highlights the vitality and beauty of plants through a simple and cool layout. Every angle of the branches and every petal of the flower show the impermanence of nature and the transience of beauty.
【Plain cement】
Plain cement is widely used in the wabi-sabi style, and its rough and boring texture perfectly matches the tonality of the wabi-sabi style. The use of plain cement is not only due to its extreme simplicity and durability, but also its unmodified natural texture blends well with other elements of the wabi-sabi style, enhancing the overall harmony of the design.
【Tone and texture】
Wabi-sabi style tends to use low-saturation tones such as dark gray and light gray, which can emphasize the texture and age of the objects, creating a quiet and calm atmosphere in the space. Through simple tones and rough materials, the wabi-sabi style presents a simple, dry and tattered aesthetic characteristic, making the space full of old and quiet emptiness.