Discover The Meaning of “Wabi-Sabi”, A Concept and Sense of Aesthetics

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2024/10/16

In Japan, the term “Wabi-Sabi” is used to express a refined, understated beauty found in traditional gardens, temples and shrines. This unique aesthetic concept, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, remains difficult to translate into other languages. Despite its elusive nature, "Wabi-Sabi" holds the key to understanding a distinctive form of beauty that embraces imperfection, simplicity, and transience.

In this article, we will explore the essence of "Wabi-Sabi," its origins, and how it is experienced in Japanese culture.

Table of Contents

What is “Wabi-sabi”? The Meaning of Wabi-Sabi
“Imperfection” is Emphasized in Wabi-Sabi
“Wabi-Sabi” is a Combination of Two Words “Wabi” and “Sabi”
History and Origins of Wabi-Sabi
Wabi-Sabi in Japanese Culture
5 Places in Japan to Experience Wabi-Sabi for Yourself
What is Kintsugi? Relationship with Wabi-Sabi

What is “Wabi-sabi”? The Meaning of Wabi-Sabi

"Wabi-Sabi (わびさび)" is a term used to express beauty found in simplicity and quietness. It can also reflect a mindset that seeks to find fulfillment even in poverty or solitude. In other words, Wabi-Sabi describes beauty that exists only in situations we might otherwise want to avoid or distance ourselves from.

For example, a simple and quiet space is ideal for relaxation, but spending too much time in it might eventually feel dull. However, people in ancient Japan found beauty in such environments. They focused on the deterioration that comes with the passage of time and the changes in their surroundings, contemplating the fleeting nature of all things.

Even today, the understated and humble appearance of things is considered beautiful in Japan, and Wabi-Sabi has a significant influence on Japanese values.

One aspect of Japanese culture where the aesthetics of Wabi-Sabi can be felt is in "Bonsai." When discussing Bonsai, the term Wabi-Sabi is indispensable. Both Wabi-Sabi and Bonsai cultures were developed in Kyoto during the Muromachi period, at the same time that tea ceremony culture was flourishing. It is said that one can develop an understanding of Wabi-Sabi as they raise Bonsai plants. Starting with young trees that are thick, short and aesthetically pleasing, and watch over them as they grow older, simply and become pure trees.

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“Imperfection” is Emphasized in Wabi-Sabi

A key aspect of Wabi-Sabi, a uniquely Japanese concept, is the importance of imperfection—something that is incomplete or uneven. This lack of perfection leaves room for imagination and interpretation.

For example, in Japan, there are events dedicated to moon viewing. While a perfectly visible full moon is, of course, beautiful, people also admire crescent moons or moons partially obscured by clouds or mist. They find beauty in these incomplete forms and enjoy contemplating the passage of time as the moon waxes toward fullness.

Other examples of Wabi-Sabi are the cracks on a well-used teacup, the weathered wood of an ancient shrine, or the uneven edges of a handmade ceramic ball. This appreciation is not limited to objects but also extends to experiences and moments in life that may be fleeting or incomplete.

When something is flawless and fully formed, it’s difficult to imagine its history or future growth. It is the imperfections that evoke complexity and depth.

Wabi-Sabi is a Combination of Two Words “Wabi” and “Sabi”

The term “Wabi-Sabi”, which expresses a unique sense of aesthetics, is made up of two words, “Wabi” and “Sabi”. Each of these words carry their own meaning, but in recent times, they have become known collectively as “Wabi-Sabi”.

The Meaning of “Wabi (侘び)”

“Wabi” carries the meaning of “melancholy”, “suffering with worries”, and “living in sorrow”. Originally, it was a word that expressed an undesirable state of mind or body.

Over time, however, "Wabi" evolved into an aesthetic idea that there is beauty precisely because of a lack of material abundance. It embodies a positive spirit of "finding joy even in a state of poverty or lack of fulfillment." Wabi thus encourages a positive mindset of deeply enjoying life, even when things are not perfect.

The term "Wabi" appears as far back as Japan’s oldest poetry collection, the Manyoshu. By the Muromachi period, the concept of "Wabi" had become integral to tea culture, giving rise to the style of tea ceremony known as Wabi-cha (侘び茶), which emphasized simplicity and tranquility through the use of humble tea utensils. Sen no Rikyuu (千利休), a master of the tea ceremony, is credited with spreading the idea of Wabi through his promotion of Wabi-cha, transforming the way people appreciated beauty.

The Meaning of “Sabi (寂び)”

"Sabi" refers to the profound beauty found in quietness and solitude. For example, the taste or history that emerges from rust on a piece of metal over time, or the moss that grows on stones, is referred to as "Sabi."

In English, words like "nostalgia" or "longing" come close to capturing the essence of "Sabi." Ancient Japanese people believed that when something became weathered or rusted, its true beauty was revealed.

When appreciating Japan’s temples, shrines, or historical artifacts, it’s important to also consider the passage of time that has shaped their beauty.

History and Origins of Wabi-Sabi

Wabi-Sabi is believed to have originated during China’s Song Dynasty, emerging from Taoist concepts. It referred to a philosophy or method of appreciating beauty through restraint and simplicity.

Wabi-Sabi was introduced to Japan during the Nara period and began to take root in the mid-16th century. Tea masters such as Murata Jukou (村田珠光) and Sen no Rikyuu (千利休) played key roles in making people aware of the charm of "Wabi." They advocated for the beauty of simplicity, emphasizing that even without extravagance, there is beauty in texture and delicate colors. This sense of aesthetic aligned with the values of the general populace, leading to its widespread adoption.

Sen no Rikyuu, a symbolic figure of Wabi-Sabi, was eventually ordered to commit seppuku by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. However, after Tokugawa Ieyasu rose to power, Wabi-Sabi and tea ceremony culture became deeply integrated into Japanese life.

Even today, Wabi-Sabi can be felt in elements like Japanese dry gardens (枯山水,Karesansui), better known as Zen gardens, haiku poetry, and traditional crafts.

Wabi-Sabi in Japanese Culture

Since its introduction to Japan, Wabi-Sabi has been embraced by Zen and Buddhism, evolving uniquely within the country. Though its origins lie in China, Wabi-Sabi has become a globally recognized term that embodies a distinctly Japanese aesthetic.

Japanese culture and Wabi-Sabi are closely intertwined. Here, we introduce some aspects of Japanese culture where Wabi-Sabi can be felt, so if you're interested, be sure to explore them.

Tea Ceremony (茶道, Sadou)

As mentioned earlier, one style of tea ceremony that uses simple tea utensils is called Wabi-cha (侘び茶). This style spread in the mid-Muromachi period. Before that, the mainstream practice was Chanoyu (茶の湯), which involved collecting ornate tea utensils from the Tang Dynasty (modern-day China) and admiring them as art objects.

Sen no Rikyuu, who popularized Wabi-cha in Japan, is considered a pioneer of the tea ceremony as we know it today, emphasizing the spirit of Wabi. Thanks to the teachings of Sen no Rikyuu and Murata Jukou, people began to appreciate the beauty of Wabi, and Japanese pottery styles such as Bizen ware (備前焼, Bizenyaki) and Shigaraki ware (信楽焼, Shigarakiyaki), along with simple tea utensils, became popular. In modern tea ceremonies, both ornate and simple tea utensils are used, depending on the theme of the gathering.

Tea utensils that embody the spirit of Wabi can also be viewed in art galleries and museums, so if you're interested, it’s worth a visit.

Learn more about Japanese Tea Ceremonies (茶道, Sadou) in this article.

Haiku Poetry (俳句, Haiku)

Haiku written by the world-renowned poet Matsuo Bashou (松尾芭蕉) evoke thes sense of "Sabi" within Wabi-Sabi, especially through the quiet, reflective moments they capture. For example:

「古池や蛙（かわず）飛び込む水の音」
Furuike ya, kawazu tobikomu, mizu no oto.
“The old pond— A frog jumps in. The sound of water."
「閑（しずか）さや岩にしみ入る蝉の声」
Shizukasa ya, iwa ni shimiiru, semi no koe.
“In the stillness. The cicadas’ cries. Sinks into the rocks.”

Both of these haiku are by Matsuo Bashou. You can imagine the scenes filled with Wabi-Sabi —hearing only the sound of water or cicadas in the stillness. Matsuo Bashou lived during the early Edo period, when flamboyant haiku were popular, and his subtle, contemplative work was a striking contrast that left a lasting impact on many people.

Japanese Gardens (日本庭園, Nihon Teien)

Japanese gardens, which simulates nature using ponds and land contours, are a beautiful reflection of Wabi-Sabi within Japanese culture.

One particular style of Japanese garden is Karesansui (枯山水), often called Zen gardens or Japanese rock gardens, which uses stones, sand, and rocks to represent flowing water instead of using actual water. This style is often seen in Zen temples and emphasizes Wabi-Sabi’s key element of imperfection by omitting water, an otherwise essential feature of Japanese gardens.

Read more about Japanese Gardens (日本庭園, Nihon Teien) in this article.

Shrines and Temples (神社仏閣, Jinja Bukkaku)

Shrines and temples that retain their original appearances are examples of Japanese architecture that exude Wabi-Sabi. The fading colors and wear caused by time reveal the history of these structures. Unlike flawless beauty, the weathered appearance of shrines and temples creates a unique charm and depth.

Want to see Japanese shrines and temples? This article where we selected the must-visit shrines and temples in Japan will come in handy for your cultural and historical tour of Japan.

5 Places in Japan to Experience Wabi-Sabi for Yourself

In this part, we will introduce 5 places to visit in Japan where you can experience Wabi-Sabi firsthand.

1. [Tokyo] Kiyosumi Garden

Image from 公益財団法人東京都公園協会 清澄庭園.

Kiyosumi Garden is a Tokyo-designated Place of Scenic Beauty. This designation is given to landscapes and scenery that are renowned for their exceptional beauty, historical significance, or high artistic or academic value. The garden was originally the site of a residence during the Edo period, but in the Meiji era, it was transformed into a Japanese garden by the industrialist Yataro Iwasaki.

The garden features a large pond with three small islands, surrounded by famous stones sourced from all over Japan. A distinctive feature of the stones along the pond’s edge is that they’re arranged to offer changing views as you walk. The "karetaki" (dry waterfall), made from stones to mimic the flow of water, creates the illusion of a stream, allowing visitors to experience the essence of Wabi-Sabi.

2. [Kyoto] Ryoanji Temple

Image from 大雲山 龍安寺.

Ryoanji Temple, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, is a renowned destination that embodies the spirit of Wabi-Sabi.

Its famous Hojo Garden, a dry landscape garden (Karesansui), recreates islands and the sea using stones and white sand. One of the garden’s unique features is its 15 stones, which are arranged so that, from any angle, only 14 are visible at once. This intentional imperfection reflects the Wabi-Sabi philosophy, which embraces the beauty of the incomplete. Visitors can enjoy contemplating the scene, imagining the sound of waves and the vastness of the sea as they observe the stones and sand.

3. [Kyoto] Saihoji Temple

Saihoji Temple, also known as the "Moss Temple," is a designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Historic Site in Japan, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto."

The temple’s garden spans 35,000 square meters and is home to over 120 species of moss. With a history of more than 1,200 years, it is said to have inspired the gardens of Kyoto’s famous Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji temples. As you take in the moss that blankets the temple grounds, you can appreciate the subtle shifts in color and reflect on the passage of time, capturing the essence of Wabi-Sabi.

4. [Wakayama] Kongobuji Temple

Image from 高野山真言宗総本山金剛峯寺.

The Banryutei garden at Kongobuji Temple is the largest Zen garden in Japan, spanning an impressive 2,340 square meters. Its beautifully raked white sand represents a "sea of clouds", a breathtaking sight as if viewed from high altitudes.

Adding to its charm, the garden features rocks arranged to resemble a pair of dragons. This creative use of simple materials—sand and stones—to evoke images of both a sea of clouds and dragons perfectly captures the essence of Wabi-Sabi.

5. [Hyogo] Kogenji Temple

Image from 丹波市観光協会 西天目瑞巖山　高源寺.

Kogenji Temple, renowned for its breathtaking autumn foliage, is a perfect destination to experience Wabi-Sabi.

In Japan, the transformation of deciduous trees as their leaves turn red and yellow in the fall is deeply tied to the concept of Wabi-Sabi. Leaves with insect bites and a variety of hues evoke a sense of transience and highlight the beauty of nature.

The autumn colors at Kogenji typically start appearing in mid to late October. By early November, the temple grounds are beautifully draped in vibrant red and yellow leaves. Enjoying the sight of these leaves gently falling is a wonderful way to embrace the tranquility and the passage of time.

What is Kintsugi? Relationship with Wabi-Sabi

A related concept that embodies Wabi-Sabi is Kintsugi (金継ぎ), the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer. Rather than discarding broken items, Kintsugi emphasizes mending them in a way that highlights the cracks. This practice aligns with Wabi-Sabi by celebrating the beauty of imperfection and the value of aging, transforming damage into something even more valuable and beautiful.

To Close

Even for Japanese people, few can fully grasp or use the concept of Wabi-Sabi. Learning through practical examples can be helpful:

“The torii gate of this centuries old shrine, with moss growing at its base, perfectly captures the essence of Wabi-Sabi.”
“I feel the presence of Wabi-Sabi each time the sound of the shishi-odoshi (water-filled bamboo tube which clacks against a stone when emptied) echoes through the tranquil Japanese garden.”
“This old antique, with its worn appearance, beautifully reflects the spirt of Wabi-Sabi.”

Wabi-Sabi is an intuitive concept. If you can perceive "beauty in simplicity" or "the charm of time's passage", you can describe almost anything as having Wabi-Sabi. The key to using it well is understanding its meaning and developing an appreciation for the subtle beauty around you.