Japanese Aesthetic Series #5
I’m offering a series of posts that describe seven of the most noted Japanese aesthetics and how I feel they are represented in kimono or traditional textiles.
5. Yugen (幽玄)
Yugen is “the suggestion of more” - where designs seem unfinished or an entire element or scene is only partially depicted, such that the viewer can finish or extend the image in his or her mind. This allows you (the viewer) to complete the picture in your own mind, implying that this unique perception may create a more meaningful, personalized image than anything the original artist could create for you. This is sometimes inelegantly called the “less is more” principle.
The yugen aesthetic is very often seen in Japanese obi design, where large design elements extend beyond the seams or are obscured by another element. You’ll find this often on semi-formal (fukuro) obi, where larger patterns overlap each other or are set against the side seams.
It’s helpful to know about yugen as you’re assessing the beauty of a kimono or obi and wondering why the full image isn’t depicted. Of course it was intentional, but “less is more” is sometimes a new perspective for Westerners, and a new way to appreciate Japanese designs.
Watch or search our blog for more posts on Japanese aesthetics. There will be six in all once they’re posted over the course of August 2019.