#kimonodesign

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.

3. Fukinsei (不均整) 

Fukinsei is the concept of asymmetry or irregularity, but with the purpose of creating a balanced whole.  It very much reflects what we see in nature but it can be a difficult value to assess.  Unlike a balancing scale with a pin pointing to zero when the two sides are of equal weight, fukinsei is a subjective concept, which is what an artist brings to the design. 

Traditional Japanese kimono (and all Japanese art forms, really) design often give a deep bow to fukinsei.  The formal furisode (middle photo below) and the semi-formal humongi  (left and right photos below) are prime examples of kimono with asymmetrical, balanced patterning.  

Here is an expanded and inspiring definition of fukinsei from Shibumi Design Studios:

Fukinsei (imperfection, asymmetry):The goal of fukinsei is to convey the symmetry of the natural world through clearly asymmetrical and incomplete renderings. The effect is that the viewer supplies the missing symmetry and participates in the creative act. Nature is not in perfect symmetry, yet the impact can be spectacular. Let go of rigidity and embrace the beauty of being perfectly imperfect, allowing others to participate in the creation process to move towards something truly innovative and unique. Asymmetry is the most fundamental characteristic of Bonsai, creating both space and visual harmony between branches, pots and foliage.  

Kimono Refashioned - Asian Art Museum

If you live near or are planning to visit San Francisco, California this Spring you may want to check out this exhibition open February 8th to May 5th, 2019.  Click here for more information and highlights of the design selections.

“Featuring over 35 garments from the Kyoto Costume Institute, Kimono Refashioned shows us that kimono continue to be a fertile source of ideas for contemporary designers, both in Japan and across the globe.”

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.