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The Beauty of Everyday Things
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
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The Beauty of Everyday Things
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Long revered as the authority on craftsmanship and Japanese aesthetics, Yanagi devoted his life and writing to defend the value of craft. In an age of feeble and ugly machine-made things, The Beauty of Everyday Things is a call to deepen relationships with the objects that surround people.
The Japanese philosopher and aesthete's definitive, hugely influential exposition of his philosophy of folkcrafts, setting out the hallmarks of Japanese design as we know it today - anonymity, quality, simplicity and honesty - and, of course, wabi-sabi, the beauty of imperfection.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
The Japanese philosopher and aesthete's definitive, hugely influential exposition of his philosophy of folkcrafts, setting out the hallmarks of Japanese design as we know it today - anonymity, quality, simplicity and honesty - and, of course, wabi-sabi, the beauty of imperfection.
Our lives are filled with objects. Everyday things used in everyday settings, they are our constant companions. As such, writes Soetsu Yanagi, they should be made with care and built to last, treated with respect and even affection. They should be natural and simple, sturdy and safe - an aesthetic fulfilment of our practical needs. They should, in short, be things of beauty.
Long revered as the authority on craftsmanship and Japanese aesthetics, Yanagi devoted his life and writing to defend the value of craft. In an age of feeble and ugly machine-made things, this now-classic book is a call for each of us to deepen our relationship with the objects that surround us. Inspired by the work of the simple artisans Yanagi encountered on his lifelong travels through Japan and Korea, it is a heartfelt defence of modest, honest, handcrafted objects, from traditional teacups to jars to paper. Objects that exemplify the beauty of everyday things.
Radical and inspiring ... Yanagi's vision puts the connection between heart and hand before the transient and commercial - Edmund de Waal
Soetsu Yanagi's unerring eye has influenced generations of makers. His notion of Zen and the art of design continues to inspire all those involved in shaping our everyday world - Jasper Morrison
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Beauty of Everyday Things by Soetsu Yanagi has been praised for its profound aesthetic and philosophical ideas. Critics have likened Yanagi's role in Japan to that of Ruskin and Morris in England, recognising his impact on art and culture. Reviewers highlight Yanagi's intuitive perception of beauty, his ability to connect heart and hand, and the influence of his vision on contemporary design and the everyday world.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780241366356
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 31 January 2019
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Contributors:
- Translated by Michael Brase
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 25.0mm
Width: 112.0mm
Height: 181.0mm
Weight: 240g
Pages: 352
About the Author
Soetsu Yanagi (1889 - 1961) was a philosopher, art historian, aesthete and poet. He evolved a theory of why certain objects made by unknown craftsmen were so beautiful, and became the founding father of the Japanese folk crafts ('mingei') movement. He helped establish, and was the first director of, the Japanese Folk Crafts Museum.
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