Japanese Design, Part 2 – Shibui

In last week’s post we attempted to give a basic understanding of wabi-sabi, the Japanese design ideal based around transience and finding beauty in imperfection.

This week we will look at another term, Shibui, which is far more complex in its nature than wabi-sabi.

One reason it is so complex is due to its subjective nature. A western word that closely relates, but we hesitate to use, is ‘cool’. You cannot define what is ‘cool’ easily, as it is purely subjective and open to interpretation. It is the same with shibui. However, one way in which shibui differs from cool is that the term cool is widely applicable: many different things can be cool for many different reasons, whereas shibui is quite specific.

Shibui is understated design. It is the opposite of ostentatious. It is quiet confidence and wisdom. Shibui does not need to shout about its quality, it is unassuming and draws the eye with subtle striking touches. It is a simple, but expertly crafted tea cup. It is a quiet but solidly built house. It is a depth beyond the obvious that warrants further investigation.

Or, to try and get a bit more technical, it is an item or object masterfully created, but subtle in its design. Typically these designs do not need to shout to get attention, people are drawn to them to admire the craftsmanship. But they have subtle design touches, such as a flash of bright colour, or a change in texture, or a unique feature which then makes you look deeper at it. There are seven universal components of shibui, which are: simplicity, implicitness, modesty, silence, naturalness, everydayness, and imperfection.

Part of this understated design extends to the colour palate typically associated with shibui. Often in interior design grey paints are added to primary colours. This not only literally darkens the tone of the paint, but also adds a silvery sheen that ties the various colours used together.

Though shibui, like a lot of Japanese ideals, doesn’t just relate to design and art, it permeates through all Japanese culture. A person can be shibusa, a car or an event can be shibusa.