The Beauty of Everyday things

In this collection of thoughtful and engaging essays, author Soetsu Yanagi presents an earnest defense of modest, honest, handcrafted objects — from traditional teacups to jars to cloth and paper. Yanagi argues that our everyday utilitarian utensils and implements have become ugly over time and, thus, we are surrounded by ugly things day and night. Without us realising it, the careless — and some might even say shoddy — way that things are made in the modern world has robbed us of any feeling of respect or affection for them.

But it need not be that way. In an era of mass-produced and machine-made things, this book is a hopeful plea for us to deepen and transform our relationship with the everyday objects that are “wholesomely and honestly made for practical use.” The first several essays define folk craft and why it matters, and then it goes on to explore a range of examples, such as traditional fabrics, pottery and woodblock prints. There's also a chapter singing the praises of the monk and sculptor Mokujiki, who carved more than a thousand wooden Buddhist statues.

While these essays were originally written many decades ago, it feels more relevant than ever in the 21st century to argue for objects to be timeless in design, so that we don't need to constantly upgrade them. Yanagi’s prose is uncluttered and filled with a sense of joy throughout, making this a comforting and hopeful read for anyone who dreams of an alternative to this endless cycle of consumerism.

Check out the rest of our books - we have a good few of them here at designist. 

Who wrote it?
Soetsu Yanagi

How big is it?
Paperback, 346 pages, measurements