Japanese aesthetics

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter.
Please help improve the introduction to meet Wikipedia's layout standards. You can discuss the issue on the talk page.

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

From religious aspects, many aesthetic ideals are influenced by Buddhism (especially Zen) and Shintoism. After the introduction of Western notions in Japan, however, these aesthetics ideals have been re-examined with 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.

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

[edit] Moyoshi ("Events")

Moyoshi (literally "Events") is the ways to appreciate the changing of seasons in nature. These events may be held at homes, or as excursions. Examples include hanami (appreciation of the cherry blossom), tsukimi (appreciation of the moon), momiji-gari (appreciation of autumn leaves), yukimi (appreciation of snow), etc.

[edit] Geidō

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