Soetsu Yanagi
Soetsu Yanagi (1889–1961) was a Japanese philosopher and founder of the mingei (folk crafts) movement in Japan in the late 1920s and 1930s. He emphasized the beauty of traditional crafts produced by common folk, and he had a significant influence on the development and appreciation of Japanese folk art. Yanagi's work included not only the promotion of folk crafts but also extensive writing on aesthetics and philosophy, particularly in relation to the beauty and value of everyday objects and the importance of preserving traditional crafts.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Beauty Of Everyday Things
The book is a reflective exploration of the philosophy and appreciation of craftsmanship, particularly in the context of Japanese folk art. It delves into the aesthetic and spiritual qualities of ordinary objects, emphasizing the beauty found in simplicity, imperfection, and the natural patina that comes with age and use. The author argues for the value of handcrafted items, suggesting that they possess an inherent life and character often absent in mass-produced goods. Through a series of essays, the work invites readers to reconsider their relationship with the everyday items that surround them, fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of artisanal practices.
The 10300th Greatest Book of All Time
