History of Japanese aesthetics 4: Edo period and Iki Part I

History of Japanese aesthetics (4) reviews the first half of Edo period (1600-1868), which saw steady social growth and advancement in art/science.

History of Japanese aesthetics: Wabi-sabi and more

Japanese aesthetics are known for its simple and minimalist design details and unique appreciation of natural beauty. There have been a couple of decisive moments in history that helped cement those qualities. “History of Japanese Aesthetics” reviews social backdrops of 1) Heian, 2) Kamakura, 3) Muromachi and 4) Edo period and discuss how they influenced the formation and crystallization of Japanese aesthetics.

History of Japanese aesthetics 1: the Heian period and Mono no aware

Roll back the clock 1,000 years to the Heian Era to find the origin of the elusive and ambiguous Japanese aesthetics where the aristocrats explored the culture of “mono no aware.” It is amazing to find how much the aesthetic style had changed, but the fundamentals remain the same to this day.

History of Japanese aesthetics 3: Muromachi and wabi-sabi

History of Japanese asethetics (3) reviews Muromachi era (1336-1573), which coinsided with the early Renaissance in Europe. However, Zen-influenced, minimalist aesthetics were the opposite of Renaissance.

MUJI House: 15 years, 4 models to help owners design their own unique life style

MUJI entered the home building business in 2004 (only in Japan) with the model 木の家 (Ki no Ie, Wood House) to provide a simple, universal, compact yet highly editable platform that is meant to last for decades. It added its forth product 陽の家 (Yō no Ie, Sun House) in 2019, marking its 15th year. Find more about MUJI house.

History of Japanese aesthetics 2: the Kamakura period and mujo

History of Japanese aesthetics (2) reviews civil war-ridden Kamakura era (1185-1333) and the aesthetics of mujo, which produced highly philosophical/poetic inward-looking, hermit culture.