Art>> MINGEI • Japan
An exhibition on Japan’s mingei movement and its impact is being held in London. Mingei, a Japanese word, is a combination of min, meaning people, and gei, meaning art. The word was coined by art enthusiast Soetsu Yanagi to denote the exquisitely crafted ceramics, metalworks and textiles by unknown artisans in villages and towns. Yanagi’s fascination for such objects began in the 1920s as part of his search for the works of Mokujiki Shonin, an 18th century Japanese monk who carved and deposited religious sculptures at holy sites.
Parallels are being drawn between Yanagi’s fascination for Japan’s rustic traditions in the aftermath of the country’s industrialisation in the 1920s and the lure towards folk art in today’s digital age.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.