zero = abundance
  • Zero Home
  • Zen minimalism
  • Minimalist
  • The “Less is more” Economy
  • Design and Architecture
  • Search
  • Menu Menu

History of Japanese aesthetics

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.

Chapter 1: The Heian period and Mono no Aware

The 平安時代 (Heian era, 794-1185) was the last part of the Japanese Classic period during which people became aware of their unique cultural identity in the face of a powerful and advanced Chinese culture, which became increasingly accessible thanks to improved navigation techniques. As the Japanese enthusiastically imported and absorbed various elements of the well-established, continental civilization, they also attempted to marry them with their own approach, which cherished subtle, natural and spontaneous sensitivities. The aristocrats in Kyoto – the national capital – led cultural endeavors during the Heian culture and cemented the aesthetics of mono no aware.

READ  History of Japanese Aesthetics 1: The Heian period and Mono no Aware

Chapter 2: The Kamakura period and Mujo

At the end of the Heian period, regional military leaders started overpowering the Kyoto aristocrats, and conflicts among opposing political groups became the norm. The 鎌倉時代 (Kamakura era, 1185-1333) was an unstable, transitional era during which people were forced to survive warfare and tragedy. The art of the Kamakura period dug deep into the truth of our lives, or the notion of mujo, a Buddhist teaching that taught everything in our world is transient and destined to change, that every power, beauty or happiness would eventually fade away.

READ  History of Japanese Aesthetics 2: The Kamakura period and Mujo

Chapter 3: The Muromachi period and Wabi-sabi

The difficult Kamakura era was the harbinger for the 室町時代 (Muromachi era, 1333-1573), which saw a culmination of traditional Japanese art. As was the case during the Renaissance that was occurring at the same time on the other side of the globe, the Muromach culture flourished thanks to expanded international trade and the unprecedented profits that accumulated. But curiously enough, unlike the Europeans who re-discovered humanism in a revolutionary way, the Japanese artists in Muromach era devoted themselves to elevate the concept of mujo into crystallized abstract art, which later became known as wabi-sabi aesthetics. What was behind it? Zen Buddhism instead of Christianity.

READ   History of Japanese Aesthetics 3: The Muromachi period and Wabi-sabi

Chapter 4: The Edo period and Iki

After the Muromachi era, Japan plunged into the “Warring States” period, primarily because several regional political/military leaders became powerful/affluent enough to contend for the position of national ruler. Eventually, Tokugawa Ieyasu grabbed power and started the Tokugawa Bakufu dynasty, which continued to rule the country over the next 250 years. The Tokugawa era is called the Edo era (1603-1868), because Ieyasu moved the capital from Kyoto to Edo, modern-day Tokyo which became one of the largest metropolis of the time. The Edo culture is different from previous ones in that it embraced modern elements while fostering iki spirit – Edo citizens’ aesthetics looked to find coolness in everyday life.

READ    History of Japanese aesthetics 4: The Edo period and iki

February 28, 2021

The origin of kare-sansui: Zuisenji Zen garden designed by Muso Soseki

July 31, 2020

Shoji screen design ideas

June 29, 2020

The Many Faces of Noh Masks (Noh-men): Men (otoko) Part 2

March 29, 2020

Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement): no-cost therapeutic hobby

December 3, 2019

The Many Faces of Noh Masks (Noh-men): Non-human characters

December 1, 2019

The Many Faces of Noh Masks (Noh-men): Men (otoko) Part 1

December 1, 2019

The Many Faces of Noh Masks (Noh-men): Women (onna)

December 1, 2019

The Many Faces of Noh Masks (Noh-men)

November 23, 2019

History of Japanese aesthetics: Wabi-sabi and more

November 11, 2019

History of Japanese aesthetics 3: Muromachi and wabi-sabi

November 5, 2019

History of Japanese aesthetics 2: the Kamakura period and mujo

July 22, 2019

Kyoto Zen gardens

July 8, 2019

The many faces of “shoji”

June 25, 2019

Tea ceremony and chashitsu: the ultimate example of Zen design

June 20, 2019

The Many Faces of traditional Japanese tea house – chashitsu

Zero = abundance is your online resource to re-define “happiness” by exploring the potential of “less is more” by leveraging Japanese Zen aesthetics.

JOIN NEWSLETTER

Receive updates on new contents, services and events.

Followon Twitter

Popular posts

  • MUJI House “Yo no i...
  • Zen minimalism
  • Horyuji: World’s ol...
  • JP Home
  • Tadao Ando: The Row House...
  • MUJI House: 15 years, 4 m...
  • Why the hell did Japanese...
  • MUJI House: design your o...
  • The Many Faces of Engawa
  • Church of the Light by Ta...

Recent posts

  • The origin of kare-sansui: Zuisenji Zen garden designed by Muso Soseki
  • Hiroshi Yoshida: Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the death of the master of shin-hanga (modern ukiyo-e)
  • Six Tadao Ando buildings on one street? Finding “Ando Street” in the Tokyo suburbs
  • Can buildings metabolize? The Nakagin Capsule Tower by Kisyo Kurokawa
  • Lee Ufan at the STARS Exhibition
  • The STARS Exhibition at Mori Art Museum – Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusama, Yoshitomo Nara and more
  • Yoshitomo Nara at the STARS Exhibition
  • Yayoi Kusama at STARS Exhibition
  • Works of Takashi Murakami at STARS exhibition
  • 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT designed by Tadao Ando
  • The Tokyo Art Museum designed by Tadao Ando
  • St. Mary’s Cathedral, Tokyo designed by Kenzo Tange
  • Trump was defeated, but so was progressivism.
  • With Harajuku co-designed by Toyo Ito
  • The Asakusa Cultural and Tourism Center designed by Kengo Kuma
March 2021
M T W T F S S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031  
« Feb    

Cart

Number of items in cart: 0

  • Your cart is empty.
  • Total: $0.00
  • Checkout








About Us





Terms of Use





Follow us on Twitter
© Copyright - InterAction Green - Enfold Theme by Kriesi
Scroll to top