What is wabi sabi?

Japanese aesthetic called “wabi sabi”

“Wabi sabi” is a Japanese aesthetic that embraces imperfection, quietness and modesty of things. Wabi sabi also accepts and celebrates the changes made as time goes by. It says that a thing becomes more beautiful and valuable as it ages.

The term “wabi sabi” is made from two words, “wabi” and “sabi.” Wabi (侘び) used to have a negative connotation since it means “loneliness and melancholy.” However, it gradually started to have another meaning, “appreciation of the simplicity and modesty inside,” as Zen philosophy permeated society.

Like wabi, sabi (寂び) used to refer to “loneliness and weakness.” The definition of sabi had expanded to “the aesthetic which can be found in what is old and worn” since famous Japanese poets like Basho Matsuo started to find beauty in it. As seen in comparison, while wabi symbolizes richness and beauty inside, sabi indicates its outward beauty.

Wabi sabi and 7 principles of Zen

The idea of wabi sabi originally came from Zen philosophy, especially the seven aesthetic principles.

• Fukinsei (不均整) means asymmetry and irregularity represented by nature, always asymmetric yet well balanced.
• Kanso (簡素) means simplicity and eliminating fluff or useless things.
• Kokou (枯槁) indicates beauty that oozes from the inside of old things no matter how they look.
• Shizen (自然) refers to naturalness and innocence that are based on the laws of nature.
• Yugen (幽玄) suggests a mysterious and profound sense of beauty that is hidden behind its appearance.
• Datsuzoku (脱俗) means freedom from habit and formula so that one can perceive surroundings without convention.
• Seijaku (静寂) refers to tranquility, solitude and calmness that are necessary to accept everything.

Places you can feel wabi sabi

Wabi sabi may be easier to understand through experience. The typical places to feel wabi sabi are the Japanese tea ceremony and gardens.

The tea ceremony is believed to be where Sen no Rikyu (the historical figure with the most profound influence on the tea ceremony) taught people the idea of wabi through teawares, interiors and flower arrangement. Instead of luxurious and lavish decorations, teawares feature earthy colors like brown, green and grey. Simple and modest flowers are chosen for tea ceremonies.

Also, unlike symmetric and colorful European gardens, Japanese gardens are asymmetric, humble and imperfect. Stones covered with moss and fallen leaves are left to be as they are to show the beauty in imperfection and aging. You can see the beautiful combination of moss and rocks in Ryoan-ji Temple and Tofuku-ji Temple in Kyoto.

The central idea of wabi sabi is to appreciate the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent and natural. Living in a world of diversity and insecurity, wabi sabi might be not just the idea to describe the Japanese aesthetic but also to encourage people to embrace living just the way they are.