Japanese minimalist design and the influence of traditional Zen art
Minimalism is often associated with Japanese traditional Zen-style design. Zen style arts and design focuses on eliminating any unnecessary frills or decors. These arts are often described as aesthetics of subtraction, because they let boundless beauty and abundance emerge from less, rather than from more. Enormous creative power is poured into identifying and removing everything unnecessary, whether it’s element, dimension, shape, size, space, amount, or color. In Zen-style arts, single line or single element can exhibit boundless potential.
If you want to introduce Zen-taste minimalist design, what are the tips? There are several very distinct elements in Zen aesthetics, which are often equal to traditional Japanese aesthetics (read more about Japanese aesthetics including Zen arts). The important point is that ultimately, Japanese aesthetics are also about becoming keenly conscious about our relationship with nature. Such consciousness reveals itself through our behaviors. You may remember that the traditional Japanese minimalist design, or Zen design, is the one that inspires you to concentrate on your behavior and your surroundings. It’s a lot more than the minimalist appearance.
Subtraction: a tool to eliminate any distraction, disturbance or contamination to access pure beauty or happiness
Ikebana: the flower arrangement that seeks the ultimate essentials by reducing the number of flowers, colors or species.
Condensation: a vehicle to help you keenly concentrate on your behavior and the surroundings to discover beauty.
Chashitsu: a small, rustic room used for tea ceremony gatherings is the microcosm of our consciousness and inner-self.
Absence: a device that stirs your imagination and creativity by providing an empty space filled with potential.
Kare-sansui: a garden without water and plants that questions our common sense and inspire us to explore higher level of beauty.
Decay: a reminder that we are the part of the wonder-full natural cycle, which include the process of declining for re-birth.
Noh: The performing art of “yugen” that found unique beauty in old people: the duality of elusiveness and resilience.
Find out what Zen is, how it has become the mother of the “art of subtraction,” and how it influenced modern minimalist design.
Find various modern minimalist design that share common aesthetics with Zen, from architecture to everyday products.