Wabi Sabi: The Japanese Art of Impermanence - Understanding the Zen Philosophy of Beauty in Simplicity

Derived from the Japanese terms "wabi," which conveys the essence of simplicity, and "sabi," which embraces a contemplative melancholy, wabi sabi encompasses an understanding of the fleeting nature of worldly things and a corresponding delight in those elements marked by impermanence. As much a mindset—a sensitivity to our surroundings and a recognition of the objects in our midst—as it is an aesthetic style, wabi sabi encourages us to find solace in life's unadorned beauty—a cracked vase, a tranquil rainy day, the transient quality of all things. Positioned as an antidote to the fast-paced, mass-produced, brightly illuminated world of today, wabi sabi invites us to decelerate and find solace in the innate splendor of our environment.

In addition to expounding the philosophy of wabi-sabi, this book also offers practical design guidance, fostering a transformation of mind, body, and living space.

Chapters include:
History: The Development of Wabi Sabi
Culture: Wabi Sabi and the Japanese Character
Art: Defining Aesthetics
Design: Creating Expressions with Wabi Sabi Materials
Spirit: The Universal Spirit of Wabi Sabi