Japanese “ZEN” and “Wabi-sabi” pottery

Last year we had several promotional events in Colorado to present our products including Bizen ware. A few visitors asked us, “Are those products related to ZEN??” or “Is this a Wabi-sabi pottery?” I never expected those words, “ZEN=禅” and “Wabi-sabi” came out from them. Both words are associated with Japanese Buddhism. According to Wikipedia, “Wabi” is rustic simplicity, freshness or quietness that can be applied to both natural and human-made objects. “Sabi” is beauty or serenity that comes with age. Honestly speaking, it is a concept that is hard to explain even for Japanese people as it contains deep historical and cultural insights!

The Japanese beautiful rock garden (Karesansui) which is a “dry landscape” garden, is known as a “ZEN garden”. It creates a miniature landscape through composed arrangements of rock, water features, moss and bushes and other natural elements. The selection and placement of rocks is the most important part of making a Japanese rock garden.

A garden is a mirror of history, culture and religion of where it is designed and created. When I visited Zen gardens in Kyoto, I asked myself “What is the focal point of the garden?” and extended my thoughts to the intention of the creators. This helped me rediscover the attractiveness of the gardens.

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  Bizen kiln

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  teapot_bizen_momonotrading

It was such a pleasant surprise for me that concepts of Wabi-sabi and Zen reflecting Japanese tradition and culture are recognized outside of Japan. We think simplicity and elegance of Bizen ware help people to understand the concepts.