Reviews

The Unknown Craftsman: A Japanese Insight Into Beauty by Soetsu Yanagi, Shoji Hamada, Bernard Leach

grifen87's review against another edition

4.0

An art friend recommended this to me as I wanted to branch out from my technical background. I found Yanagi's writing to be very peaceful and focused, and what he says about capitalist industrialism vs. handcrafting is very true. It was a thoughtful, eye-opening read and makes me wonder how we could bring back handcrafting in a way that is compatible with our highly technical industrialized society and the current social climate. How can we counteract capitalism and show people that there is meaning in handmade, personal crafts? How can we make personal art more accessible to a rapidly growing population?

abarrera's review against another edition

5.0

This is one hell of a book. I honestly had no idea what I was reading but got inspired by many potter friends that were reading it. I couldn't have made a better decision. Soetsu's blend of Zen and crafts, his appreciation for Chado, wabicha, Sabi and shibui (including his definition of the term) is refreshing. He continues with Morrison's craftmanship revolution and takes it to new heights.

The book is really a collection of essays, some easier to read than others. Due to this nature, many concepts are repeated several times, but I believe it actually helps deliver the point. In the end, you feel how Soetsu has created a whole framework around craftsmanship and the notion of true beauty.

On a personal note, I feel some parts are a little contradictory. although his FAQ at the end of the book does paint a more cohesive framework. Lastly, his chapter on the Way of Tea is esoteric, to say the least. It embeds the Chado founders with quasi-mystical attributes. I wonder what would they say if the read what he had to say about them.

Either way, it's a fantastic read that any artist, art lover and tea drinker should read.