WABI & SABI
Defining Wabi-Sabi
Japanese - /’wäbē/ - adjective
Stemming from the root “wa,” which refers to harmony and tranquility, “wabi” has evolved to connote rustic simplicity, freshness, quietness, or understated beauty. It also refers to quirks and imperfections arising from the process of construction, which add uniqueness and elegance to the object.
Japanese - /’säbē/ - adjective
Sabi by itself means "the bloom of time.” It suggests beauty or serenity that comes with age, when the life of the object and its impermanence are evidenced in its patina and tarnish, or in any visible repairs.
How does Wabi-Sabi come together?
Wabi-Sabi beauty is one that celebrates authentic craftsmanship, the aging process, and beauty in the imperfections of the natural cycle of production and maturation.
Our Wabi-Sabi world view is heavily influenced by both Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics. We appreciate the beauty in things that are simple, weathered, modest, asymmetrical and nature-inspired.
Below, you can find some examples of what we consider Wabi-sabi.
- One-of-one art pieces
- Haiku poems
- The discoloration and patterning that arises from rust
- Falling leaves in autumn
- The unglazed texture of earthenware nature
- The knots in wood
- Biblichor - The calming scent from the pages of an old book
- A misshapen mug
- Axel Vervoordt, Belgian interior designer
- Hans Blomquist, Swedish interior stylist
- Weeds growing through the cracks in concrete
- Dried flowers and branches
- Kintsugi - The art and practice of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with gold, silver, or platinum dusted lacquer. Instead of trying to restore objects to a false, temporary state of perfection, we show appreciation for the slings and arrows of time and use.
- James Joyce, Irish novelist
- The pastel color that arises in faded objects
- Cozy and intimate spaces
- A beautifully built rustic home
- The soft pale light of the golden hour
- Tea ceremonies
- Wool, cotton, hemp, bamboo, leather, silk, wood, rattan, copper, steel