Looking at examples of wabi-sabi teacups, we were inspired to make our own using red and white clay and a pinch pot technique. The kids were thrilled to create their own perfectly imperfect teapots, some overheard saying “mine is very wabi-sabi!”
Discussing the Wabi-Sabi Aesthetic
For centuries, the influence of nature has deeply shaped the daily life, written word, clothing, art and craft of Japanese culture. The kids learned of the wabi-sabi aesthetic- the appreciation of imperfection, asymmetry, simplicity and transience in objects in one’s surroundings. We looked at examples of wabi-sabi pottery and architecture, and compared these to more cleanly designed art and spaces. Within minutes, the children transformed into Wabi Sabi experts, exclaiming “that’s not wabi-sabi”, or the opposite!