When I first became acquainted with Wabi Sabi, I felt that my approach to both living and decorating had been beautifully verbalized by centuries of Buddhist and Japanese philosophy. Wabi Sabi, in its barest bones, believes that beauty exists in imperfection, created through time, impermanence, and nature. It is embodied in fleeting feelings, perhaps of a mysterious shadow cast against a knitted blanket or petals of a fading rose falling to the hardwood floor.
Translated into decor, Wabi Sabi celebrates the imperfection of aged and vintage goods, especially those created through the handmade process, as well as repurposing. A beautiful home is not one custom designed and filled with mass-produced merchandise. Instead, it is one curated through the years, with unique pieces that have emotion, history, meaning, and imperfection.
Every individual has a different understanding of Wabi Sabi, as it is based upon one’s emotions and feelings of what is impermanence and “the perfection of imperfection.” I am happy to present Wabi Sabi Wednesdays, where I will share weekly imagery that I believe exudes the aura of this philosophy, and as always, I sincerely welcome your thoughts and inspirations!
With a grandfather who was a carpenter with his own workshop in Hong Kong, metaboy’s appreciation of this gorgeous handmade Macau bench is the perfect symbol of the nature of Wabi Sabi style. The nicks of character, the curves of loving handmade creation, and the chips of time showcase how treasures only grow more beautiful with age.
9 responses so far ↓
1 Rachel // Jan 7, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Beautiful theory! I agree and I’m trying to go this route. I currently have a random assortment of hand me down furniture in most of my apartment, but I plan to (very) gradually replace the pieces for vintage finds that I can truly treasure as I come across them. I think that eventually I’ll have a house where every piece means something very special to me and reminds me of specific moments in my life.
2 Duc // Jan 7, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Hi Grace,
I love this idea and the image. I think that this series will be very nice. I would guess the western version is the Patina look. Even new furniture is painted several layers and then scuff to look old and authentic, ala Pottery Barn Style.
There is certainly a poetry and a re purposeness to it!
-Duc
3 Rachel // Jan 7, 2009 at 11:52 pm
That is beautiful! I love the idea of wabi sabi! I also love that when you are completely overwhelmed with perfectionist desires it makes the perfect saying to repeat while you breathe and calm down@
4 jessica // Jan 8, 2009 at 1:23 am
That really is beautiful. I love this concept and truly agree with it. Beauty is in imperfection since that is what gives something character and makes it interesting.
I feel that way about people too.
5 Kelly // Jan 8, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Hooray! When I first learned of the Wabi Sabi concept, I was so pleased, as I’d always loved the idea of perfect imperfection. I think it’s a great idea to feature, and wonderfully done!
Jessica- what a beautiful thought! It’s never occurred to me to consider people as Wabi Sabi, but now I will treasure the idea. Thanks!
6 Jazz Green // Jan 8, 2009 at 9:11 pm
So wonderful to find your site – as a fine artist my paintings are greatly influenced by the philosophy of wabi sabi – the beauty of imperfection, weathered surfaces, the subtle patina of time – i will definitely return to read more..
7 Grace // Jan 9, 2009 at 2:27 am
Jessica’s comment rings so true — I truly appreciate the sentiment of Wabi Sabi people
I’m very happy to know that Wabi Sabi resounds with many of us, and I can’t wait to continue with the Wabi Sabi Wednesday series. Hopefully, it will inspire all of us to live simply, filled only with elements we love or absolutely need.
8 roberta // Feb 1, 2010 at 3:50 am
Your website speaks to my soul… I have been studying the concept of wabi sabi (w.s.) for the last several years… now that I am retired… I feel that I can now devote time to a serious “editing of my life; lifestyle… I am particularly interested in how I can blend the concept of w.s. into wearable artwear…
thank you…
9 Pella // Feb 16, 2010 at 11:07 am
Hi.
So funny.
I was looking for some inspirations for my Wabi Sabi wednesdays, and i found your wonderful site and you have The same day. Yesterday i was thinking that it might me another in the blogspace who wants to do this to.
(excuse my bad english, i´m from Sweden)
I´m coming to visit your site again when i need to find some peace.
Thanks!
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