Wabi-Sabi

Vanessa Allebach
11/20/03
Position Paper
Mr. Osing
Wabi-Sabi

The idea of wabi-sabi is a fascinating outlook on life. The Japanese culture differs greatly form the American culture that I am used to, but I have noticed many forms of this Japanese ideal within our society. Though we don’t have a name for it, wabi-sabi is practiced widely in our culture. Everything from the Abercrombie and Fitch stores who sell already “broken-in” jeans, to the antique malls that view “aging” of furniture, as valuable and beautiful, wabi-sabi exists everywhere. I have always kept my old trinkets from when I was young for memories, and saw the beauty in the old, personalized versions of these things. Aging is beautiful. Even with people. It adds character to everything. I have always seen my grandma and her aged body asa symbol of wisdom and knowledge. Her drooping skin and wrinkled face show she has lived a long, fulfilled life and has learned from her experiences. When I ...