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Gavin Blair

Zen in Japanese Culture

Zen in Japanese Culture

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Zen, a philosophy and aesthetic that originated in Japan, has profoundly impacted the country's art and culture. It promotes a recognition of emptiness and impermanence and is characterized by striking simplicity and a reverence for space. Zen is found in all aspects of Japanese culture, from the tea ceremony to bonsai, and is highlighted in this book with beautiful full-color photographs. It invites readers to contemplate the mind, cultivate harmony with nature, and find ease through understanding.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2019
Publisher: Abbeville Press Inc.,U.S.


Zen, a captivating fusion of the Buddha's teachings with Taoism and local traditions, has left an indelible mark on the art and culture of Japan. As a philosophy, Zen encourages a profound understanding of emptiness and impermanence, fostering a sense of acceptance and non-attachment. In terms of aesthetics, Zen is characterized by its striking simplicity and reverence for space, embodying the principles of wabi-sabi, the harmony found in all transient and imperfect things. Countless Japanese artists, artisans, and designers have embraced the Zen tradition, infusing their work with its wisdom.

Author Gavin Blair, with nearly two decades of experience as a writer and journalist in Japan, has intricately documented the diverse expressions of Zen in various aspects of Japanese culture. In this captivating book, he showcases how Zen permeates the tea ceremony, origami, and bonsai, among other artistic disciplines. Breathtaking full-color photographs accompany the text, capturing the serene beauty of the Zen aesthetic. From the delicate hanging noren curtains that grace entrances and doorways to the intricate craftsmanship of a wagasa umbrella, these images evoke a sense of tranquility and introspection.

At its core, Zen is an invitation to delve into the depths of the mind, cultivate harmony with nature, and find solace through the cultivation of understanding. This book appeals to readers with a curiosity about Japanese culture and the profound wisdom of the Zen tradition. Whether you are an avid art enthusiast, a seeker of inner peace, or simply someone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of this ancient philosophy, this book offers a captivating journey into the heart of Zen.

Weight: 1146g
Dimension: 218 x 267 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780789213457

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