WA: The Essence of Japanese Design
WA: The Essence of Japanese Design
WA: The Essence of Japanese Design
WA: The Essence of Japanese Design
WA: The Essence of Japanese Design
WA: The Essence of Japanese Design
WA: The Essence of Japanese Design
WA: The Essence of Japanese Design
WA: The Essence of Japanese Design

WA: The Essence of Japanese Design

$80.00

"WA" explores the heart of Japanese design philosophy. The title itself embodies a core concept in Japanese culture: "wa" (和) signifies harmony, peace, and atmosphere. This multifaceted term guides behavior across all aspects of Japanese life, including its profound influence on design and creativity.

Through 250 carefully curated objects, this book delves into the aesthetic principles that define Japanese creativity. From traditional items like bento boxes and calligraphy brushes to modern icons such as Noguchi's Akari lamp and Issey Miyake's innovative fashions, "WA" showcases the timeless appeal of Japanese design.

Featuring works by masters like Sori Yanagi, Shiro Kuramata, Naoto Fukasawa, and Tokujin Yoshioka, "WA" bridges past and present. An introduction by MUJI art director Kenya Hara provides context for understanding the enduring influence of Japanese aesthetics.

This comprehensive volume, with 300 exquisite photographs, explores how Japanese design principles continue to shape global trends in architecture, interiors, fashion, and graphics.

Hand bound in traditional Japanese style, "WA" is both a visual journey and a tactile experience, embodying the very essence it seeks to explain. Whether you are a design enthusiast, an admirer of Japanese culture, or simply curious about the captivating world of “WA” this book is an essential addition to your collection.

10 5/8" × 8 1/8"
288 pp
300 illustrations

We are pleased to offer the option of a free handwritten message on one of our signature gold edged notecards. Enter your text in the "Click here to add any order notes or gift messages” box on the first page of checkout. Notecards are only available to certain products; anything shipped from our rubber stamp warehouse is not eligible for a handwritten notecard, but if you enter a message in the box at checkout it will be printed on the packing slip. 
These carefully chosen and crafted pieces represent a considered mix of the esoteric and the highly pragmatic. Many of these simple things reflect the hand of the artisan or the quiet genius of the inventor. They are useful in ways that are difficult to quantify but, if pressed, we would say they make life a little more efficient and a lot more beautiful.

We are lifelong bibliophiles. Shelves filled with books line our studio walls and more are stacked on every surface. We admire their design, scrutinize their typography, fetishize their paper and analyze their binding. We read them for research, for inspiration, for the sheer pleasure of exploring new worlds of thought and experience.

We have curated a selection of books to offer our audience, based on our interests and yours. Most of our books are limited editions or out of print, they are seldom available in the US, and not available on Amazon. 

The fact that we have now launched our own imprint seems an inevitable extension. Wms&Co. books are created in collaboration with the interesting characters, visionaries and designers we encounter. Subject matter varies wildly but is always infused with the spirit of creativity and a respect for good design.

All books are final sale: non-refundable and non-exchangable. 

 

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