User:KodiceJames/sandbox

Japanese Aesthetics
Japanese Aesthetics is what makes Japanese culture standout. These aesthetics make up Japanese Aesthetic as a whole: Shinto Buddhism, Wabi-Sabi, Miyabi, Shibui, and Jo-ha-Kyu. In Japanese culture, there isn’t one way to classify what they believe as Aesthetically beautiful or pleasing as can be told from all the different styles of what they do consider to be apart of the Japanese aesthetic.

Shinto-Buhddism
Shinto Buddhism is one of the main aesthetics Japan has to offer and it is their belief in Kami (Japanese gods) that is the one people around the world are most familiar with. There is no ancient scripture, and no founders (i.e. Jesus the Messiah). Some of the major Kami consist of gods like Izanagi, Izanami, Susanoo, Amaterasu, and Tsukuyomi. They are the gods that are apart of the world and nature itself. Each god has a different role within the Japanese culture, The appreciation of these gods are shown through the art form the Japanese take on. This way of worship was brought to Japan from the culture of China within the sixth century. Since then, Shinto and Buddhism have gone through multiple changes. They have been brought apart and were even pushed against one another in the Meiji era of Japan. It is often argued that Shinto is not a religion at all compared to Buddhism.

Shinto, by the masses of Japan, is described to be the opposite of a Religion. Shinto is seen as being Japanese. Shintoism is in nature, locations, and political standpoints. Shinto is a group of beliefs, with no written dogma. For the most part, it is the idea that kami resonate within anything and everything. Shintoism holds amalgamations of ideas, beliefs, and attitudes that goes towards their worship of the gods.

Buddhism is, however, is different compared to Shintoism. It is a religion and is a form of writing as well. It is studied by professionals that mostly consist of philosophers, priests, and others who study agricultural and other art forms. Both Buddhism and Shintoism have adapted to each other over the centuries. They both acknowledge one another. Shinto would be known for life and fertility while Buddhism would be known as the religion of death, ancestors, and background. Buddhist priests are trained in daruma (classic texts that derive from Indian Buddhism) and the animals of the Zodiac. The priests are in charge of their temples where there is little to no interaction with those outside of Buddhism. The only form of interaction that takes place between Buddhists and others are during funerals and after service of said funerals attended by the families of those who have passed. This goes back to how Buddhism is the religion revolving around and ancestry because of the obligations held by the priests. Buddhists believe that once the ancestors die, it is up to their off spring's actions to dictate what will happen to them in the afterlife.

When brought together, Shinto-Buddhism has different art forms. There are several different forms of worship towards the Kami in Shintoism. There are shrines that are visited for daily worship, ceremonies, exotic rites, symbolism, and festivals. These acts celebrate the worship of kami, life, and death altogether in a complete cycle.

Wabi-Sabi
This aesthetic in Japanese culture is known for many things such as beauty in all things, even those that are imperfect. Modesty and unconventional things are what are seen as the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic. Wabi and Sabi both make up the aesthetic of beauty in incompleteness together. When separated, both serve as differing terms. Wabi stands for fresh, simple work, denoting all complication and having a very rustic feel to all it relates too. Being made from nature and made from man itself in a tandem. If made by accident, it brings about a certain uniqueness to the work. Sabi is beauty and how it originates from age. The cycle of life plays a great role in Sabi, adding to the aesthetic that sense of beauty in works that receive mending damage from aging over time. When bringing Wabi and Sabi together, it creates the aesthetic that every simple piece developed does not require a complicated design. Nor does it require absolute completeness for beauty to be found in it, and with age comes more delicate beauty.

Wabi-sabi has always been related to tea ceremonies in Japanese culture. It is said that these ceremonies are profound wabi-sabi events. Wabi-sabi is also related to activities such as architecture, fashion, and philosophy. All of these portions of wabi-sabi all share belief in the same theme: all imperfections such as incomplete work holds undeniable beauty. However, not everyone, of course, favors the idea behind wabi-sabi. While this is true, there are many who wish to keep the belief alvine despite what others believe. Overall, wabi-sabi seems to be a very mindful approach to everyday life. A calm way to see things, and a way to live without coming off as judgmental. When understanding wabi-sabi, there are terms that strongly relate to the aesthetic as well.

Fukinsei: asymmetry, irregularity.

Kanso: simplicity.

Koko: basic, weathered.

Shizen: without pretense, natural.

Yugen: subtly profound grace, not obvious.

Datsuzoku: unbounded by convention, free.

Seijaku: tranquility, silence.

Each of these terms are used to break down the complete understanding of wabi-sabi. It more so relates to the philosophy aspect of the entire aesthetic and how to view one's surroundings. These can elude to several things including the ideas in humans, the themes behind certain aspects of life, or nature itself. Each term leads back to the point that wabi-sabi is an aesthetic that is about appreciating the small things that are imperfect and or incomplete.

Miyabi
In the ongoing history of Japan, Miyabi can stand for many things. However, it seems to be centered around the concept of elegance, beauty, refinement, and courtliness. For this, it is one of the older aesthetics among most of the Japanese aesthetics in the culture. That would explain why it is not as popular as the rest which may be newer compared to Miyabi. It is a term that is also used to express aristocratic culture. Miyabi eliminates all forms of rudeness and crudity from the culture. This brings about the proper picture and form of aristocratic culture. Miyabi brings about these changes. Miyabi ensures that refinement of love, literature, feeling, and art is celebrated within the Japanese culture. Refinement is welcomed.

Shibui
Shibui is coming to understand an object or an art piece for what it is. Locating simple and subtle beauty in certain things is a goal when it comes to designing or reviewing certain designs. In many ways, Shibui is very similar to wabi-sabi but is not wabi-sabi. Shibui appreciates items and objects for simply being. There is no complication or irrational thinking when it comes down to Shibui. Akin to certain aesthetics in the Japanese culture, there are a couple of terms in relation to Shibui. Those terms go as follows.

Shibumi: Taste of Shibui

Shibusa: State of Shibui

Both these terms relate to subtle, unobtrusive beauty. There are several items and objects that can be considered apart of the Shibui aesthetic, not just art or fashion. It can also be people, animals, songs, movies, several different types of media can be seen as Shibui. For example, a pair of shoes, a camera, a moped bike, and several different pieces of art or objects used for everyday activity can be seen as Shibui. Direct and simple is the way of Shibui. Nothin over the top or too flashy.

Jo-ha-Kyu
This is an aesthetic that originated from the Noh Theatre and even appeared in the 14th century. It is used in different art forms in Japan even still today. It is a movement that has been applied in several different arts with Jo, Ha, and Kyu standing for individual things to make up its definition.

Jo: Beginning

Ha: Break; Crack.

Kyu: Rapid; Over

Essentially, what this aesthetic means is that when it comes down to pieces that deal with movement, things should start slowly with proper build-up. Almost akin to how a story is told. Then once it reaches its climax, it speeds up. When it reaches its end, then that is when things begin to rapidly speed up until all of a sudden it has reached an ending.