wabi sabi the japanese art of impermanence

In the Asuka period (538-710 AD), for example, Buddhist art brandished a distinctive Hellenistic style. Nor is cultural diffusion unknown to Japan. At different periods of Japanese history, Buddhist temples could wield sizable political and social power, garnering them the wealth to build fantastically opulent temples. I don’t want to paint with too broad of a cultural brush. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons) Down to a fine art Hasegawa Tohaku’s “Pine Trees,” a six-panel folding screen, uses negative space to accentuate elements such as natural simplicity. Lacking high-quality art or furnishings, the monks would pair their simplistic belongings with a natural setting to “produce an aesthetically pleasing effect.” According to Juniper, at various times in Japan’s history, Buddhist temples would be underfunded yet still were required to host guests in the spirit of generosity.

With that said, its roots do find terra firma in the philosophy of Zen Buddhism. And while I’ve labeled it a philosophy, it’s really more a worldview or aesthetic - something you feel and experience - than a structured and formulated philosophy in the Western tradition. Wabi has been variously translated as “simplicity,” “melancholy,” or “regard of the serene.” Sabi is translated as “old and elegant,” “peacefulness,” or “the beauty of faded things.” Taken together, they express an appreciation of humility, flawed beauty, and the impermanence of all things. The phrase collects two kanji characters, which you might have guessed: wabi (侘) and sabi (寂).

So, in the spirit of wabi sabi, I’ll try my best.

Wabi sabi the japanese art of impermanence