Junichiro Tanizaki and Japanese aesthetics: The philosophy of silence as interpreted in "In Praise of Shadows"
Tanizaki Junichiro and Japanese Aesthetics: The Philosophy of Silence as Seen in "In Praise of Shadows"
"Beauty lies not in light, but in shadow," says Junichiro Tanizaki in his essay "In Praise of Shadows" (1933), an essential book when discussing Japanese aesthetics. In contrast to Western clarity, Japanese beauty finds value in ambiguity, white space, and the shadows that deepen over time. Let's take a fresh look at this philosophy, which resonates deeply with the "white space" and "poetic space" that WABISUKE values.
The beauty of shadows: what dwells not in light but in shadows
In "In Praise of Shadows," Tanizaki describes the beauty of the lustrous black of lacquerware, the soft light filtering through washi paper, and the shadows cast on an aged wooden floor. For him, brightness does not necessarily bring out beauty; rather, he argues that "not being able to see too much" stimulates the imagination and calms the mind.
This sensibility is also reflected in WABISUKE's purses and spatial design. For example, the texture and color of fabrics stand out in natural or indirect lighting, rather than under strong lighting, and their depth and warmth are more apparent. The "dimness" that Tanizaki loved is a device that accentuates the presence of objects and awakens the user's sensibilities.
Western "Ming" and Japanese "Yu"
Tanizaki points out that while Western culture values "brightness," "cleanliness," and "rationality," Japanese culture finds beauty in "ambiguity," "antiquity," and "imperfection." For example, the shine of silverware and the dull luster of lacquerware. The cleanliness of white pottery and the elegance of a cracked tea bowl. While the West places value on "newness," Japan cherishes the beauty that deepens with "aging."
This contrast is also reflected in WABISUKE's products. They are brand new, yet have a color and shape that evokes a sense of nostalgia. The more they are used, the more they become familiar to the hand, and they grow with the owner's memories. This is a tribute to the "beauty woven by time."
Space and Silence: The Power of the Unspoken
Tanizaki also focuses on the design of Japanese rooms and the use of shoji screens. The light coming through the screen, the empty spaces in the tokonoma alcove, the texture of the tatami mats—all of these stimulate the viewer's imagination and make them sense the presence of something unspoken. While Western architecture emphasizes "ornament" and "functionality," Japanese spaces value "ma" (space) and "kihai" (atmosphere).
This idea of "white space" is also important in WABISUKE's spatial design and blog articles. Rather than explaining everything, leave "room" for readers and users to add their own memories and emotions. It can be said that Tanizaki's aesthetic was ahead of its time.
Colors and Materials: Feeling the Invisible Beauty
In "In Praise of Shadows," the "understated beauty" of the bleeding of ink, the color of sooty wood, and the dullness of fabric is celebrated rather than the brilliance of gold or silver. This sensibility is also reflected in WABISUKE's color calendar. For example, it is precisely in understated colors such as "decaying leaves" and "soot-covered bamboo" that deep emotion resides.
There is also a common philosophy in the way materials are selected. Fabric and leather with a texture rather than shiny plastic. Handcrafted products with slight variations rather than homogeneous industrial products. The "beauty of imperfection" that Tanizaki loved lives on in WABISUKE products.
Rediscovering Shadows in Modern Times
Modern life is surrounded by the white light of LEDs, smartphone screens, and homogenous interiors. The "excessive brightness" that Tanizaki lamented has now become a part of everyday life. However, perhaps this is precisely why we need to return to the "beauty of shadows."
The aim of the WABISUKE blog is to recapture that "silence" and "space." Tanizaki Junichiro's philosophy is not merely a nostalgic pursuit, but a compass for reconstructing our "place in the heart" in the modern era.
In conclusion: To speak of the untold
Tanizaki Junichiro's aesthetic sense is deeply connected to the yearning for a "poetic life" that underlies WABISUKE. We would like to continue to carefully capture the beauty that lies between light and shadow, speech and silence, decoration and simplicity, time and memory.
There is a passage in "In Praise of Shadows" that says:
"We are more interested in the shadows that lie beneath than in the glossy surface of things."
With these words in mind, today again I gently place my hand on a purse.