Wabi-sabi ceramics: Japanese philosophy of simplicity

Beginning with the ancient Greeks, the Western world built an aesthetic of perfect beauty, perfect forms, admiration for youth and perfection, new and fashionable. Instead, the eastern world, including Japan, chose other vectors. Thus, from the philosophy of Zen Buddhism in the XV-XVI centuries, the aesthetics of wabi-sabi was formed – the modest beauty of the imperfect, fleeting, transient. Even the Japanese themselves will not give you an exact definition, but to understand what wabi-sabi is, offer to imagine the following picture: moonlit night, you admire the full moon, a magic flute sounds nearby, and you remember with sadness someone who recently left this world. A mixture of admiration, sadness, nostalgia, solitude and pacification – all this is a difficult concept of wabi-sabi.

One of the practical areas where the aesthetics of wabi-sabi has found application is Japanese ceramics. Among the first promoters of wabi-sabi was the founder of the Japanese version of the tea ceremony – Sen no Rikyu. He strived to remove from the ceremony excessive pathos, luxury and even unnecessary movements. And for this he needed utensils that would correspond to the philosophy of Zen Buddhism and Wabi-Sabi. This is how the ceramics of Raku was born.

At first glance, Raku bowls may seem too simple. They are made of clay of natural colors, as well as natural colors are used in the decoration of utensils: black, red, gray, green, brown, etc. Such bowls are as simple as possible in design, often asymmetrical, have uneven walls or edges, and sometimes cracks or nicks. At the same time, they are ideal for human palms, do not burn the skin and keep warm for a long time. All this fits perfectly into the aesthetics of wabi-sabi.

By the way, about the cracks. Wabi-sabi teaches not only to appreciate modest simplicity, but also age, experience, including negative, complex one that gives individuality and uniqueness. Therefore, it is not customary to throw away cracked or broken dishes. It is restored in the technique of Kintsugi, means that it is fixed with vegetable varnish with the addition of gold or silver. Such utensils are considered more valuable, because it has its own unique history.

Wabi-sabi is the ability to enjoy a simple life, enjoy the moments and see the beauty in everything around us. The Art Studio «Lihtaryk» invites you to experience all this, creating unique dishes yourself visiting our pottery master classes. We will always help you, give you tips and rejoice in your success with you. We are waiting for you!

Now you know at least one place that is worth to visit in Kyiv.

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