The Beauty of Everyday Things

Overview

In these collected essays, I explore the profound beauty and cultural significance of Japanese folk crafts, or mingei. Through examining various crafts like ceramics, textiles, woodblock prints, and the work of anonymous artisans, I elucidate the aesthetic principles that underpin these often overlooked art forms. I argue that the true beauty of mingei lies in its honest utility, naturalness, anonymous creation, and connection to everyday life. This contrasts with the emphasis on individual expression, rarity, and decorative display often found in fine art. I introduce key concepts such as shibui/shibumi (simple, subtle beauty), muji (the beauty of the plain and undecorated), and the importance of pattern in capturing an object’s essence. I invite readers to cultivate an intuitive way of seeing, emphasizing direct engagement with the object over intellectual analysis or reliance on external validation like artist signatures or market value. I discuss the negative impact of mass production and commercialization on craft, advocating for a return to traditional techniques and materials rooted in local environments. The book is relevant for anyone interested in art, craft, design, aesthetics, Japanese culture, and the broader movement towards appreciating beauty in everyday life. It also offers insights into the origins and historical development of mingei theory. By rediscovering the beauty of ordinary things, I hope to inspire a greater appreciation for the handmade, the natural, and the profound wisdom embedded in traditional crafts, and spark new creative directions in craft, design, and the arts in a rapidly modernizing world.

Book Outline

1. What is Folk Craft?

The essence of folk craft, or mingei, lies in its honest utility, affordability, and anonymous creation for everyday use. This stands in stark contrast to commercial mass production, which often sacrifices quality and true functionality for profit.

Key concept: Mingei objects must honestly fulfill their practical purpose, with careful selection of materials and attention to detail. Machine-made products often prioritize profit over true utility, leading to a decline in quality and honesty in design.

2. The Beauty of Miscellaneous Things

The pervasiveness of poorly designed everyday objects has negatively impacted our aesthetic sensibilities. A revitalization of folk craft is necessary, not just for the sake of craft itself, but for the overall improvement of our aesthetic environment and daily lives.

Key concept: Beauty lies not just in elite art, but in the everyday objects that surround us. The decline in beauty in ordinary utensils has dulled our overall aesthetic sense, making the elevation of folk craft essential for a truly beautiful world.

3. What is Pattern?

Patterns are expressions of an object’s essential nature, simplified and intensified. True patterns are not simply decorations, but capture the life force of the object they represent, stimulating the viewer’s imagination.

Key concept: Patterns are not mere decorations but expressions of an object’s essence, capturing its life and stimulating the imagination. They arise from intuition and simplification, revealing the most natural aspects of nature.

4. Okinawa’s Bashofu

Okinawan bashofu cloth, made from the Japanese fiber banana, demonstrates the exceptional beauty that can be achieved through simple, honest production rooted in local materials and traditions. It surpasses in quality and beauty many more famous textiles.

Key concept: Bashofu, uniquely Okinawan, exemplifies the beauty achievable through adherence to natural processes and local traditions, surpassing even highly-regarded mainland textiles in its effortless grace.

5. The Beauty of Kasuri

Kasuri textiles, with their distinctive “blurry” patterns, reveal a profound aesthetic principle: beauty often arises from technical limitations and natural processes, not just from meticulous human control. This embrace of the accidental distinguishes kasuri from other textiles.

Key concept: The beauty of kasuri lies in its “blurry effect,” an accidental imperfection arising from technical limitations. This natural nonalignment, paralleling the beauty found in calligraphy, makes kasuri a unique expression of natural processes over human manipulation.

6. The Characteristics of Kogin

Kogin, a form of quilted clothing from Tsugaru, embodies the interplay between environment and craft. The region’s harsh winters give rise to indoor work, and the kogin patterns, based on strict numerical formulas, transform necessity into beauty.

Key concept: Kogin, produced in snowy Tsugaru, illustrates the interconnectedness of environment, lifestyle, and craft. Its geometric patterns, created by adhering to numerical formulas, reveal a hidden order and beauty in what might otherwise seem like a harsh, monotonous existence.

7. The Japanese Perspective

The Japanese aesthetic, rooted in Zen Buddhism and the tea ceremony, values imperfection, simplicity (shibui), and quietude, offering a unique perspective that contrasts with the Western emphasis on perfection and outward display.

Key concept: The Japanese aesthetic, rooted in Zen and tea ceremony principles, emphasizes imperfection, simplicity, and quietude. This contrasts with the Western focus on perfection and often overlooked richness found in Japanese art and philosophy.

8. The Story behind the Discovery of Mokujiki

The discovery of the sculptor Mokujiki’s work underscores the importance of intuition and diligent research in uncovering hidden artistic treasures. His anonymous carvings challenge the conventional focus on individual authorship in art history, highlighting the spiritual depth and unique beauty found in folk art.

Key concept: Mokujiki’s carvings, discovered through intuition and diligent research, embody the spiritual depth and artistic merit often found in anonymous folk art, challenging the conventional focus on individual artists in art history.

9. Woodblock Prints

Woodblock prints should be appreciated as handicrafts, not as imitations of painting. True beauty in prints arises from embracing the inherent limitations of the medium and emphasizing pattern over individual expression.

Key concept: Woodblock prints are best understood as handicrafts, not fine art. Their beauty stems from embracing the limitations inherent in the medium, not from striving for painterly effects or individual expression.

10. Otsu-e

Otsu-e paintings, characterized by anonymity, mass production, affordability, and simplification, represent a unique form of folk art that rivals in beauty and cultural significance the more highly regarded ukiyo-e prints.

Key concept: Otsu-e, with its anonymous, mass-produced, and affordable nature, exemplifies the vibrant beauty achievable within folk painting, surpassing in its own way the highly esteemed individualistic ukiyo-e prints.

11. Handicrafts and Sesshū

The focus on an artwork’s inherent beauty, rather than the artist’s identity or reputation, is essential for true aesthetic appreciation. Sesshū’s painting exemplifies this, demonstrating a depth of beauty that transcends individual artistry.

Key concept: The profound beauty of Sesshū’s painting transcends individual artistry. The focus on the work itself, rather than the artist’s identity, unlocks a deeper appreciation for beauty’s essence, unburdened by the artist’s ego.

12. Washi

Washi, traditional Japanese paper, embodies reverence for nature. Its warmth and beauty come from the inherent qualities of its natural materials and the simple, honest methods used in its production.

Key concept: Washi embodies reverence for nature. Its beauty arises from the inherent qualities of its natural materials and simple production methods, offering a profound aesthetic experience through direct engagement with the material world.

13. Seeing and Knowing

True appreciation of beauty arises from intuitive seeing, not from intellectual analysis. An open mind free from preconceptions is essential for allowing the object to speak directly to the heart and reveal its true nature.

Key concept: Intuition, not intellectual analysis, is the key to understanding and appreciating beauty. True seeing requires an open mind free from preconceptions, allowing the object to reveal its essence and speak directly to the heart.

14. The Japan Folk Crafts Museum

The Japan Folk Crafts Museum, dedicated to mingei, aims to showcase the beauty of everyday objects and the profound cultural significance of folk craft. Unlike large museums focused on famous artists or historical artifacts, it elevates the art of ordinary people and the anonymous craftsman.

Key concept: The Japan Folk Crafts Museum champions utilitarian beauty, emphasizing the importance of folk crafts in elevating everyday life and preserving cultural heritage, offering a different model from large, encyclopedic museums.

Essential Questions

1. What are the defining characteristics of mingei, and how does it differ from fine art or commercial craft?

Mingei champions beauty in everyday objects, rejecting the notion that beauty is exclusive to fine art. It emphasizes practicality, affordability, anonymous creation, and natural materials. Mingei objects embody honesty of purpose, reflecting the lifestyle and values of ordinary people. Their beauty arises from the sincere fulfillment of utilitarian needs, a collaborative process between artisan and material, rooted in local communities and traditions. Mingei is not merely an aesthetic movement; it promotes a way of life that values simplicity, humility, and connection to the natural world, countering the negative effects of industrialization and consumerism.

2. How does the quality of everyday objects affect our aesthetic sensibilities, and what role does mingei play in addressing this issue?

The decline in beauty of everyday objects negatively affects our aesthetic sense, which, in turn, impacts our overall wellbeing. Mass-produced goods prioritize profit over utility and often lack true functionality and aesthetic appeal. They are disconnected from both the maker and the user, losing the sense of intimacy and connection that handcrafted objects foster. By contrast, mingei objects bring honesty, sincerity, and beauty into our daily lives, enriching our experiences and connecting us to both the natural world and the human spirit.

3. What distinguishes the Japanese perspective on beauty, and how is it reflected in mingei?

The Japanese aesthetic, rooted in Zen and tea ceremony principles, values simplicity, naturalness, and imperfection. The concept of shibui/shibumi embodies this, emphasizing the beauty of understated elegance. This contrasts with the Western pursuit of perfection and outward display. It is reflected in muji aesthetics, the beauty of the plain and unadorned, and in the acceptance of natural flaws and irregularities as adding to an object’s character. This aesthetic has deep cultural roots in Japan, shaping its art, design, and overall way of life. The Japanese perspective offers a valuable counterpoint to Western aesthetic values, emphasizing the profound beauty found in simplicity and imperfection.

4. What constitutes a ‘true’ pattern, and how does this concept inform the creation and appreciation of mingei?

True patterns arise from an intuitive grasp of an object’s essence, not from imitation or intellectual analysis. They are not mere decoration but express the life force and fundamental nature of the object, revealing nature at its most refined. This approach to patternmaking is evident in traditional crafts like kogin and kasuri, where technical limitations and natural processes contribute to the beauty of the final product. It is also reflected in the Japanese aesthetic of muji, where the plain and unadorned reveals a deeper level of beauty. By seeing the world as pattern, we develop a deeper appreciation for its inherent beauty and complexity.

5. What is the role of intuition in perceiving beauty, and how does it contrast with an intellectual approach?

True seeing requires an open mind, uninhibited by preconceptions or intellectual analysis. We must learn to see with our intuition, allowing the object to reveal its essence directly to our hearts. Over-reliance on knowledge, signatures, and market values hinders true appreciation and distorts our perception of beauty. The Japanese perspective on beauty, with its emphasis on shibumi and muji, exemplifies this intuitive way of seeing. By cultivating this approach, we can discover beauty in unexpected places and develop a deeper understanding of art and the world around us.

Key Takeaways

1. Beauty lies in honest utility.

Mingei emphasizes honest utility and practicality above all else. Objects should be well-made, sturdy, and serve their intended purpose without pretense or unnecessary ornamentation. This principle of honest functionality is essential for creating objects that are both beautiful and deeply integrated into daily life.

Practical Application:

AI product engineers can apply this by focusing on the core functionality and user experience of a product, stripping away unnecessary features and embellishments. A well-designed AI product, like a mingei object, should be intuitive to use and seamlessly integrate into people’s lives, enriching their experiences rather than adding complexity.

2. Patterns reveal underlying beauty and order.

Patterns capture the essence of an object, revealing its fundamental nature through simplification and repetition. This principle can be applied not just to visual patterns, but to the design of any object or system. By understanding underlying patterns, we can create more efficient, effective, and beautiful designs.

Practical Application:

AI product engineers can apply this by using natural language processing and machine learning to analyze large datasets of user feedback, identifying recurring patterns and needs to inform product design and development.

3. Local context enriches beauty.

Mingei objects are deeply rooted in their local environment, utilizing locally available materials and reflecting local traditions. This connection to place gives them a unique character and contributes to their inherent beauty.

Practical Application:

AI engineers can draw inspiration from traditional crafts, like kogin and bashofu, by incorporating the principles of local adaptation and environmental responsiveness into their designs. For instance, they can develop AI systems that adapt to different cultural contexts or are optimized for specific local conditions, rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all solution.

4. Imperfection reveals deeper beauty.

The Japanese aesthetic embraces imperfection and the natural, valuing the beauty of the accidental and the spontaneous. This acceptance of wabi-sabi adds depth and character to objects, making them feel more human and connected to the natural world.

Practical Application:

In AI development, this can translate to valuing user feedback and iteratively improving designs based on real-world usage, rather than striving for an idealized, pre-determined outcome.

5. Intuition over intellect in aesthetic appreciation.

Intuition, not intellectual analysis, is essential for perceiving beauty. An open mind, free from preconceptions, allows the object to speak directly to the heart and reveal its true nature. This is crucial not just for appreciating art, but also for creating truly beautiful and meaningful objects.

Practical Application:

This translates to prioritizing intuitive user interfaces and user experiences in AI product design. AI should augment human capabilities, not replace them. Products should be easy to use and seamlessly integrate into people’s lives, enhancing their experiences rather than adding complexity.

Suggested Deep Dive

Chapter: What is Folk Craft?

This chapter lays out the fundamental principles of mingei and provides a framework for understanding the rest of the book. It defines what mingei is and is not, highlighting its distinctive characteristics and its significance in a rapidly modernizing world.

Memorable Quotes

II. 24

From the viewpoint of social mores, this is a huge loss.

IV. 29

Without consciously thinking whether something is good or bad, creating as if it were the most natural thing in the world to do, making things that are plain and simple but marvellous, this is the state of mind in which artisans do their finest work.

III. 37

This is the world of utility. There is no avoiding reality, no way of escaping it, for the sole purpose of these objects is to serve people’s needs.

X. 57

Why are patterns so beautiful? Patterns are unfathomable purveyors of dreams.

II. 145

Quality is how the heart and soul of a civilization should be measured.

Comparative Analysis

My work on mingei shares common ground with the Arts and Crafts movement of William Morris and John Ruskin in their critique of industrial production and its negative impact on beauty and craftsmanship. However, my focus extends beyond mere functionality to encompass spiritual and philosophical dimensions of craft. My emphasis on anonymous creation and the beauty of imperfection also distinguishes mingei from the romantic individualism often associated with the Arts and Crafts movement. It also shares links with wabi-sabi aesthetics, but I focus on folk crafts, which differs from wabi-sabi in its focus on humble, everyday objects over refined tea ceremony wares. Mingei also aligns with the Bauhaus principle of “form follows function,” but I emphasize the importance of natural materials, local traditions, and the inherent beauty of limitations. Lastly, unlike studio craft, mingei is about community, tradition, and the shared experience of beauty.

Reflection

My work on mingei presents a compelling vision of beauty in everyday life, emphasizing the importance of intuition, humility, and the human touch in craft. However, some may argue that my idealization of anonymous creation overlooks the individual contributions of skilled artisans. Also, my strong preference for folk crafts may be seen as undervaluing other forms of artistic expression, especially those emphasizing individual expression or technical virtuosity. It is crucial to acknowledge the subjective nature of aesthetic judgment and recognize that what I find beautiful may not resonate with everyone. My emphasis on the Japanese aesthetic also raises questions about cultural relativism and the universality of beauty standards. While mingei principles are rooted in Japanese culture and philosophy, their relevance extends far beyond national boundaries, offering valuable insights into the nature of beauty, creativity, and the human spirit. However, some skepticism remains as to whether my strong emphasis on intuitive understanding is sufficient to cultivate a deeper appreciation for art, or whether knowledge and critical analysis still have a valid role. Despite its subjectivity, my work on mingei has had a significant impact on the field of craft and design, inspiring a re-evaluation of traditional craft practices and the role of beauty in everyday life.

Flashcards

What is mingei?

Japanese folk craft; everyday objects made by anonymous craftspeople

What does shibui/shibumi mean?

Simple, subtle, unobtrusive beauty

What is muji?

The beauty of the plain and undecorated

What is bashofu?

Okinawan textile made from the Japanese fiber banana

What is kasuri?

Japanese resist-dye technique with blurred edges

What is kogin?

Japanese quilting technique from Tsugaru

What is washi?

Traditional Japanese paper

What is intuition in the context of aesthetics?

Direct insight into an object’s essential nature

What are otsu-e?

Japanese folk paintings characterized by anonymity and simple style