Soetsu Yanagi

Soetsu Yanagi was a Japanese philosopher and founder of the Mingei (folk craft) movement in Japan. He was instrumental in recognizing the beauty and value of traditional crafts and artisanship, and his work has had a lasting impact on the appreciation of folk art in Japan and beyond.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Beauty Of Everyday Things

    The book is a reflective exploration of the philosophy and appreciation of craftsmanship, particularly in the context of Japanese folk art. It delves into the aesthetic and spiritual qualities of ordinary objects, emphasizing the beauty found in simplicity, imperfection, and the natural patina that comes with age and use. The author argues for the value of handcrafted items, suggesting that they possess an inherent life and character often absent in mass-produced goods. Through a series of essays, the work invites readers to reconsider their relationship with the everyday items that surround them, fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of artisanal practices.

    The 14901st Greatest Book of All Time
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