In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi (侘び寂び) is a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of appreciating beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete" in nature. It is prevalent in many forms of Japanese art.
Zen garden of Ryōan-ji. It was built during the Higashiyama period. The clay wall, which is stained by age with subtle brown and orange tones, reflects sabi principles, with the rock garden reflecting wabi principles.
A Japanese tea house which reflects the wabi-sabi aesthetic in Kenroku-en (兼六園) Garden
Wabi-sabi tea bowl, Azuchi–Momoyama period, 16th century
Modern tea vessel made in the wabi-sabi style
Japanese aesthetics comprise a set of ancient ideals that include wabi, sabi, and yūgen. These ideals, and others, underpin much of Japanese cultural and aesthetic norms on what is considered tasteful or beautiful. Thus, while seen as a philosophy in Western societies, the concept of aesthetics in Japan is seen as an integral part of daily life. Japanese aesthetics now encompass a variety of ideals; some of these are traditional while others are modern and sometimes influenced by other cultures.
Sōji-ji, of the Soto Zen school
Hanami ("blossom viewing") parties at Himeji Castle
The Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)
An 18th century tea bowl, exhibiting the aesthetics of shibui
