A word to distinguish “fine art” did not exist in the Japanese language before the late 19th century, when Japan opened to trade with the Western world.  This introduced the Western understanding that art should be relegated to its own, rarefied category, which stood above the comparatively “lower” arts of craft and design.

It has long been understood in Japan that the purpose of excellent works, whether recognized as design, craft, or “art”, is to live with us and to make our life exquisite. From the wealthy and powerful Shogun to hard working farmers, from the greatest scrolls to the elegance of a mended indigo apron, the Japanese have constantly sought harmony between different elements of beauty through developing the aesthetics of their own living spaces. 

At other moments, Japanese works lie silent. Perhaps they will not reveal their core upon first glance. Only when they are approached with a calm and open mind will they speak with the viewer.  

In the Western world, we have been trained to respond immediately to art with a stream of words. Japanese art asks us to do the opposite. Instead, we listen to this work, waiting with patience until we can hear its silent roar.