Japanese aesthetics

Encyclopedia : J : JA : JAP : Japanese aesthetics

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Japanese aesthetics has no single, unified basis. Instead, it encompasses various aesthetic ideals - some traditional, some modern.

From religious aspects, many aesthetics ideals are influenced by Buddhism (especially Zen) and Shintoism. After the introduction of Western notions in Japan, however, these aesthetics ideals have been reexamined in Western values, by both Japanese and non-Japanese. Therefore, recent interpretations of the aesthetics ideals inevitably reflect Judeo-Christian perspectives (which are mostly syncretic. See also Religion in Japan) and Western philosophy. One such interpretation is "The Structure of Iki" by Kuki Shūzō. It analyses iki from Japanese and Western aspects.

Westerners should be aware that there is no notion of the Creator (the Judeo-Christian god) in traditional Japanese aesthetics ideals. Gods (in Shintōism) and Buddhas (in Buddhism) are not creators of the world or Nature. Nature is not to be conquered, but on the contrary, it is to be admired and appreciated. The admiration and appreciation of nature has been fundamental to many Japanese aesthetic ideals, "arts," and other cultural events. In this respect, the notion of "art" (or its conceptional equivalent) is also quite different from Western tradition. Japanese art does not rigorously conquer nature, but instead, it aims to incorporate nature, and to be incorporated into nature.

Contents

1 Moyoshi (\"Events\")
2 Geidō
3 Others
4 Traditional Japanese Aesthetic Ideals
5 Modern Japanese Aesthetic Ideals

Moyoshi (\"Events\")

Moyoshi (literally "Events") is the ways to appreciate the changing of seasons in nature. These events maybe held at homes, or as excursions.

Hanami (appreciation of the cherry blossom), tsukimi (appreciation of the moon), momiji-gari (appreciation of autumn leaves), yukimi (appreciation of snow), etc.

Geidō

Geidō is traditional Japanese "arts." Kado (Japanese flower arrangement), shodo (Japanese calligraphy), sado (Japanese tea ceremony), yakimono (pottery), etc.

Others

Niwa (garden art), suiseki (appreciation of stones), etc.

Traditional Japanese Aesthetic Ideals

Iki, Yabo, Wabi-sabi

Modern Japanese Aesthetic Ideals

Kawaii, Moé

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