Some may argue that these artifacts created with aesthetic conscience and intentions are much more advanced than those without. I, however, must tell you that is a common mistake which we, of the modern era of knowledge and science, tend … Continue reading
I even feel certain hesitation towards using the word “Mingei” as adjectives. If we were to describe something as “Mingei-ish”, it is already not the true “Mingei”. Simple and honest “plain paper” would make the genuine Mingei product. If the … Continue reading
I have come to realise that the imperfection of the bowl itself is the very essence that makes it beautiful.
What is the point of being obsessed with “perfection”? It is rather ideal to be beautiful than perfect. “If a scratch on the surface bothers you, then you love “perfection” more than “beauty”” (Shunsuke Tsurumi, on Soetsu Yanagi) 完全なものに執着しないほうがいい … Continue reading
This could arguably be one of Koetsu’s best works. Although, whether to praise it without any questions remains unclear to me.
「避けられぬ」という言葉ほど恥ずべきものはない （柳宗悦） かの戦争への参加を決めた日本のニュースを知り、憤りを抑えきれずに柳が記した言葉。 「必要悪」という言葉に生理的な嫌悪を抱いたことを思い出していた。 考えるに、それは人間の知性への諦めであり、全人類の知性をそのように侮りながら、恥ずかしげもなく安易な言い訳に利用する姿勢の表れだからではないのだろうか。それを、理性ではなく感性の部分が嗅ぎとっていたのだと思う。 There is nothing more shameful than using such phrase as “unavoidable” (Soetsu YANAGI) The word of Yanagi, when he was devastated to know Japan had decided to take part in the WW2. The word “Necessity Evil” … Continue reading
「どうあっても必然な制約に従うということは 人間が人間の犯す過ちから 開放されることを意味してくる」 （柳宗悦）
「織りは人 人は心なり」（宗廣力三） 今、気が付いた。 民藝運動とは、心の問題ではなかったか。
Lauryn Hill sings… “Rebel” Mingei movement was surely the rebelｌious action towards the “existing power”. Would you be shocked to know that?
フィリピンは混ざっている。富も貧も、楽も悲も。 私達がまったいらな眼鏡で覗き込もうとするのを、優しく拒む。
Crossing Point 