The Beauty of Everyday Things (Penguin Modern Classics)

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The daily lives of ordinary people are replete with objects, common things used in commonplace settings. These objects are our constant companions in life. As such, writes Soetsu Yanagi, they should be made with care and built to last, treated with respect and even affection. They should be natural and simple, sturdy and safe - the aesthetic result of wholeheartedly fulfilling utilitarian needs. They should, in short, be things of beauty. It is common knowledge that the mechanisation and commercialisation of industry have resulted in the unending manufacture of poorly made goods. This decline in quality is the result of the excesses of the profit motive, organisational distortions, technical limitations, and much more. Furthermore, the working conditions in factories are oppressive, and workers find their work to be meaningless. Add to this the fact that there are no restrictions on mechanisation, which leads to rampant production of an even lower quality. Overproduction has also produced a greater number of unemployed. No one takes responsibility for this lamentable situation.” This is a collection of essays, not just one book. To be fair, it was a bit too long for my personal taste, but I recognize the importance of this work. My favourite essays were:

It may be cheap, but it should also be sturdy. What must be avoided at all costs is dishonest, distorted and ornate work. What must be sought is the natural, direct, simple, sturdy and safe. It is worth exploring Mingei’s key aspects, including its metaphysical and religious underpinnings, and practical examples and key principles to look for when considering what makes an art form “Mingei.” Further, there exists the possibility of the Mingei approach being applied to traditional Islamicate arts and crafts — in the hope of yielding deeper appreciation and insights. While a Japanese art movement may seem to be an unusual avenue to pursue when considering crafts of very different cultural and religious traditions, I hope to elaborate below on why I think this is viable and worthwhile. What is the link between a light bulb and a ball pen? A soap bar and a knife? They are banal things we all have at home but rarely really behold. That we use every day without wondering about it. Because they are so familiar to us.There's nothing wrong with valuing the crafts of the commoner and taking pride in national or even regional goods and arts. In fact, I even encourage such pride and appreciation of common goods and handicrafts. I don’t enjoy being a hater, esp. to someone who is clearly an expert in his field, but he’s dead so I’m not hurtin’ any feelings. Many well written pieces but the most resounding quote to me comes from “A Letter To My Korean Friends” (1920)

Yanagi’s work is characterized by pure, organic form, an economy of means and material, and an emphasis on beauty in even the most functional and quotidian objects. Over time the designer’s work has become, well, timeless.” — T: The New York Times Style Magazine Over several days of collaboration, the musicians also recorded ten more songs for the album. Like ‘The Beauty of Everyday Things,’ these songs were written by Bloom at his County Clare home over the past two years.Yanagi conceived of M ingeias a collective endeavor channeling nature and natural processes, free from ego and individualism, and characterized by the virtues of humility and simplicity. In practice, the arts would make best use of natural materials from their immediate environment, “seek, in addition to having aesthetic value, to be functional and useful objects to fulfill genuine needs,” and be robust enough to survive repeated use over many years. Objects created might also grow beloved to their owner through repeated use. I liked Soetsu Yanagi's voice. I can imagine him wandering all over the Japanese and Korean countryside in his quest to find beauty. A beautiful insight into Japanese philosophy as well as the Soetsu Yanagi's take on political events between Japan and Korea. At times he is repetitive, but I sort of like that about him. It shows obsession, and I think that is one of his most inspirational aspects, his obsession with raw beauty and Zen philosophy.