Juniper, Andrew. (2003). Wabi sabi - The Japanese art of impermanence. Tokyo: Tuttle Publishing.

This short book by Andrew Juniper offers fantastic and concise insight into Japanese aesthetics, zen philosophy and the concept of wabi sabi. The book offers a history of the concept, demonstrates how it is indelible from Japanese culture as a whole, and describes how wabi sabi has both influenced art through the ages and found expression in design.

Juniper gives an excellent description of wabi sabi (page 1): «Wabi sabi embodies the Zen nihilist cosmic view and seeks beauty in the imperfections found as all things, in a constant state of flux, evolve from nothing and devolve back to nothing. Within this perpetual movement nature leaves arbitrary tracks for us to contemplate, and it is these random flaws and irregularities that offer a model for the modest and humble wabi sabi expression of beauty. Rooted firmly in Zen thought, wabi sabi art uses the evanescence of life to convey the sense of melancholic beauty that such an understanding brings.»

I have always been inspired by how zen philosophy finds delight in things that we normally describe negatively as «imperfections». Nature can be trusted. When you accept things as they are and do not try to improve them, there is more time left to just enjoy these things. Imperfection is not something to be endured. It is an integral part of life we must learn to accept and celebrate. It is interesting that nature seldom seems to make mistakes. We can look at clouds, patterns in fur, or waves that move in and out of the shore, and while we may not immediately discern a formal order there, we would never describe these phenomena as a mess (in sharp contrast to the very apparent visual mess of many human-constructed objects and spaces, one can say). Alan Watts described the beauty and order of organic pattern as «the markings in jade». Design inspired by wabi sabi seeks to incorporate this natural beauty consciously into our living spaces and all of the items in them, in full recognition that much of it is revealed only in cooperation with the hand of a human artist that gives it a frame and expression.

Juniper defines wabi sabi with the following four tenets (page 27):

  • Everything in the universe is in flux, coming from or returning to nothing. 
  • Wabi sabi art is able to embody and suggest this essential truism of impermanence. 
  • Experiencing wabi sabi expressions can engender a peaceful contemplation of the transience of all things.
  • By appreciating this transience a new and more holistic perspective can be brought to bear on our lives.

I would have liked to have seen more pictures implemented into the book, but the few images that are included are excellent examples of objects, spaces and art that embody the philosophy and complement the text well. They are presented on individual pages surrounded by empty white space, very much in accordance with zen principles.

I highly recommend getting your hands on this book if you are at all interested in Japanese aesthetics and wish to explore more deeply the endlessly inspiring world of zen and wabi sabi.

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