setoyaki culture
 
- WABI&SABI -


The Japanese aesthetic principles of wabi and sabi had a profound influence on the tea ceremony, the architecture of the tea house, and the earthenware used for making, serving, and drinking tea. Although the word "sabi" literally means rust,as an aesthetic principle it is an expression for something which has aged gracefully. Wabi, a related concept, is the aesthetic appreciation of poverty, primitive simplicity or naivete. The ceramics of Seto have played an important role in realizing these aesthetic principles which are fundamental to traditional Japanese art forms.


- JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY(CHA-NO-YU) -


Influenced by the principles of Zen Buddhism, the tea ceremony is intended to cultivate the virtues of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Harmony is achieved, in part, by conducting the ceremony in humble but elegant surroundings and by the use of simple utensils. The choise of ceramics is crucial.

- JAPANESE CUISINE -


Traditional Japanese cuisine places considerable importance on the freshness, taste, and presentation of each ingredient. Bowls and dishes are selected for their harmony with the food. As a nation surrounded by the ocean, the Japanese diet understandably consists of a large variety of fish. Sashimi or fresh uncooked fillet of fish is served in attractive arrangements with garnishing.

- FLOWER ARRANGEMENT(IKEBANA) -

Typically placed in the picture recess or alcove(tokonoma) of a house or tea room, flower arrangements are another form of traditional Japanese art. The methods of arrangement as well as the type of container used varies from informal and natural to formal to avant-garde. The seemingly spontaneous beauty and refined elegance of the arrangements are generally the result of adherence to various formal rules set forth and taught in one of the numerous schools of flower arrangement.