Yanagi Sōetsu

person 4 connections Est. 1889

About

Japanese philosopher & art critic (1889-1961). Founded the mingei (folk craft) movement in 1920s Japan. Wrote 'The Unknown Craftsman.' Central tenet: beauty in everyday utilitarian objects made by unnamed artisans. Combined Korean aesthetics, Zen Buddhism, and William Morris/Ruskin ideas. The mingei philosophy spread worldwide, deeply influencing American studio ceramics.

Connections

Career (1)

← Shoji Hamada person co-founded mingei

Mentorship (1)

← Bernard Leach person philosophical mentor

History (2)

→ Archie Bray Foundation organization 1952 workshop 1952

← Kawai Kanjirō person co-founded Japan Folk Crafts Museum 1936 1936