In feudal Japan at the beginning of the 16th century, a unique aesthetic gradually unfolded in interaction with the culture. This was the era of wabi-sabi, where beauty was found in the simple, the imperfect and the changeable. One of the pioneers of this cultural movement was Rikyū Sen, a well-known Japanese master of chadō (the way of tea). He managed to integrate wabi-sabi principles into the tea ceremony, creating a deep connection between aesthetics and everyday activities.
In the 16th century, the wabi-sabi aesthetic also permeated Japanese interior design. Traditional tatami mats, simple shoji screens and minimalist wooden furniture epitomized the beauty of the imperfect and the aged. During this period, cast iron products also became an integral part of Japanese design culture. Master craftsmen created cast iron pots and teapots that combined function and aesthetics in a unique way.
One of the most famous cast iron designers of this era was Kanbai, who experimented with textures and patinas to achieve the authentic wabi-sabi aesthetic. His teapots, with rustic surfaces and subtle irregularities, quickly became sought after by those who appreciated the beauty of the simple and the natural.
The wabi-sabi wave slowly spread to European countries in the 18th century, where designers such as William Morris and John Ruskin embraced the principles of imperfect beauty and natural decay. Morris, an English textile designer and artist, found inspiration in wabi-sabi to create his iconic patterns that embraced asymmetry and patinated colors.
In the 19th century, wabi-sabi continued to influence European culture, particularly in art and architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous American architect, was known for incorporating wabi-sabi principles into his designs. His use of natural materials, simplicity of form and an awareness of surrounding nature clearly reflected the Japanese aesthetic. 
Today, traces of wabi-sabi can still be seen in modern European design. Minimalist home furnishings and natural materials that show signs of aging and use are examples of how these timeless Japanese principles continue to inspire the world of design globally.
Back in Japan, wabi-sabi has also infiltrated gardening. Traditional Japanese gardens are laid out with the intention of imitating the beauty of nature, with stone arrangements and moss-covered paths representing the imperfect and the changing. Cherry trees, bamboo and bonsai plants are among the plants often used, helping to create harmony between man-made structure and natural beauty.
Although wabi-sabi originates from a distant past, its influence is still evident in modern culture. From minimalist European home furnishings to global design movements, wabi-sabi continues to inspire and inform the aesthetics behind some of the world's most iconic creations. Celebrating the beauty of the simple and the changeable, this Japanese treasure continues to flourish as a timeless source of inspiration for the design world.
