Japanese Aesthetics, Wabi-Sabi, and the Tea Ceremony

Aesthetics: In the Western world, aesthetics is considered the branch of philosophy that is concerned with concepts of value and beauty as they relate to the arts. Philosophers from Plato until the present time have had rigid ideas about what artists should create and what people should like, but in today's world, aestheticians represent a variety of approaches to the philosophy of art. Aesthetics, in the broadest sense, may be thought of as a worldview, …

…represent the season. Aesthetic objects are not left on permanent display in Japanese homes, but are brought out for focused viewing and appreciation for specific purposes or seasons. As the season or purpose for display changes, the objects are stored and replaced by others more appropriate. Though Japanese rooms sometimes may appear too bare or simple for Western tastes, a Japanese visiting an a typical American home may feel surrounded and overwhelmed by visual clutter.