In Praise of Shadows: Some Photos from Shōfūsō

 Some photos that I took a while ago

This is the tokonoma (flower bay). There is usually a hanging scroll where the zig-zag shelf is. 

Below is a more classic tokonoma. 

Here's an image of people sitting in shadows.

Here's a veranda (engawa). See how the eaves of the room hang over it.

The above engawa is mostly for walking, however. Below is a more classic engawa that is wider and thus better for sitting.

Here's the underside of the eave over a veranda. A bit of wabi-sabi, perhaps.

Another shot.

The translucent beauty of shōji. And note the powdered clay covering on the wall to the left.

My favorite shot. This is the edge of a veranda floor. Note how the repair was made. In the U.S., you'd probably replace the entire plank. This repair reminds me a bit of kintsugi.

Google AI on kintsugi.

Kintsugi is a Japanese art form of repairing broken pottery by mending the cracks with lacquer and gold. It's not just about fixing broken items; it's a philosophy that embraces imperfections and finds beauty in the cracks of life. 

Here's a more detailed look:

What is Kintsugi?

• Meaning: The term "kintsugi" translates to "golden joinery" or "golden repair". 
• Process: Broken pottery pieces are carefully glued back together, often with a special urushi lacquer (made from tree sap), and the cracks are then accented with gold, silver, or platinum. 
Philosophy: Kintsugi emphasizes the history of an object, celebrating its flaws and scars instead of hiding them. It's a way of valuing and appreciating what has been broken and repaired, rather than focusing on pristine perfection. 

Why is Kintsugi significant?

Resilience and Acceptance:
Kintsugi is a metaphor for embracing imperfections and finding beauty in the cracks of life. 
Healing:
The process of repairing broken items can be a therapeutic one, allowing individuals to heal from emotional wounds and find meaning in their lives. 
Appreciation:
Kintsugi helps us appreciate the history and value of objects, reminding us that even broken things can be beautiful and meaningful. 
Wabi-sabi:
Kintsugi is closely related to the Japanese philosophy of "wabi-sabi," which values simplicity, impermanence, and the beauty of imperfection. 

Modern Applications:
Art and Design:
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Kintsugi techniques are used in art and design to create unique and meaningful pieces. 
Wellness and Mental Health:
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The philosophy of kintsugi is also used in wellness and mental health circles to encourage acceptance, resilience, and self-compassion. 
Everyday Life:
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Kintsugi can inspire us to see beauty in the broken and find strength in our imperfections.