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trin's review against another edition
3.0
Mystery box book #24!
This was fine, though not as interesting as I had hoped -- or further outside my wheelhouse than I had expected. Yanagi discusses his/the Japanese aesthetic philosophy, different type of Japanese and Korean folk art, the founding of the Japan Folk Crafts Museum, and the Japanese takeover of Korea (which he was against, to his credit). It was nice to learn about some of these traditional art forms, but the writing was more repetitive and less illuminating than I would have wished.
This was fine, though not as interesting as I had hoped -- or further outside my wheelhouse than I had expected. Yanagi discusses his/the Japanese aesthetic philosophy, different type of Japanese and Korean folk art, the founding of the Japan Folk Crafts Museum, and the Japanese takeover of Korea (which he was against, to his credit). It was nice to learn about some of these traditional art forms, but the writing was more repetitive and less illuminating than I would have wished.
nathansnook's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
Given that this written a few years back, it still holds true when we think of our essentials, when we think of what houses our homes. That thrifted coffee table. That chair found off the curb of an unremembered street. Look there, that mug that your friend gifted you. How they’re made and how many years they hold is of so much importance. In craft and specialty craft, Yanagi explores from his own heritage what makes great art in our daily lives. What we use and how long we keep them for.
It’s true, they don’t make things like they used to. At the height of capitalism and fast commercialism, it’s hard to see what originates, overlooking beauty in such wide peripheries.
There’s a beautiful apology at the end of the book where Yanagi asks forgiveness from Koreans and their art for what Japan as a nation did in trying to erase identity in art. He is, perhaps, the only person I know of that is ever so willing to admit such shame in times where the two countries still argue about Dokdo or cherry blossoms.
🥮🥮🥮
If you enjoyed this write-up, please consider purchasing my novella here.
Or find other thoughts on books and films here.
It’s true, they don’t make things like they used to. At the height of capitalism and fast commercialism, it’s hard to see what originates, overlooking beauty in such wide peripheries.
There’s a beautiful apology at the end of the book where Yanagi asks forgiveness from Koreans and their art for what Japan as a nation did in trying to erase identity in art. He is, perhaps, the only person I know of that is ever so willing to admit such shame in times where the two countries still argue about Dokdo or cherry blossoms.
🥮🥮🥮
If you enjoyed this write-up, please consider purchasing my novella here.
Or find other thoughts on books and films here.
jamespoole's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Loved this initially but lost momentum a little when it got into the nitty gritty of some design specifics. Still very happy I picked this up. It is a beautiful perspective and maybe sometime in the future other parts will jump out to me.
karkarvroom's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
this is a classic for those interested in interior design and art generally!
oldpatricka's review against another edition
4.0
A fair bit of repetition in this book, but I think it’s meant to reinforce the points made and to ensure the reader really understands what the write is saying. I enjoyed it overall.
chrisdech's review against another edition
2.0
The content of the book itself is not poorly written, but Yanagi is impressively boring.
There's nothing wrong with valuing the crafts of the commoner and taking pride in national or even regional goods and arts. In fact, I even encourage such pride and appreciation of common goods and handicrafts.
The problem is how impressively boring Yanagi is. This collection of essays, letters, and what are ostensibly journal entries overstays its welcome. And he borders on sanctimoniousness that just seems to disregard any opinions that do not totally agree or subscribe. Yanagi is that one person you know who you share an interest with, but they are almost obsessively enthusiastic in a way that just turns you off to talking about your shared interest.
We should take pride in the goods from our town, or city, et cetera. But that should not come at the cost of readability and alienating others from the appreciation of a nice teacup.
There's nothing wrong with valuing the crafts of the commoner and taking pride in national or even regional goods and arts. In fact, I even encourage such pride and appreciation of common goods and handicrafts.
The problem is how impressively boring Yanagi is. This collection of essays, letters, and what are ostensibly journal entries overstays its welcome. And he borders on sanctimoniousness that just seems to disregard any opinions that do not totally agree or subscribe. Yanagi is that one person you know who you share an interest with, but they are almost obsessively enthusiastic in a way that just turns you off to talking about your shared interest.
We should take pride in the goods from our town, or city, et cetera. But that should not come at the cost of readability and alienating others from the appreciation of a nice teacup.