Geidō

Geidō is a collective term for Japanese traditional arts. It is also a description of the process of learning. Through learning traditional forms (kata) the practitioner develops a deeper understanding of aesthetics and thought processes of that art. These understandings are universal and can be applied to other activities. 

Short cuts to results are strongly discouraged as the kata and process of learning have been refined over time to have a specific effect on the practitioner.

The focus is more on how one prepares and consumes the tea in the Way of tea than on the result of drinking a cup of tea.

Dō means Way.

Article on Japanese aesthetics

http://www.brainpickings.org/2015/05/28/in-praise-of-shadows-tanizaki/?mc_cid=c8461486ba&mc_eid=77c02641f2

Japanese aesthetic

An unexpected result of looking into Japanese techniques is the growing interest and respect I have for Japanese aesthetic sensibilities. I have always associated stark minimalism with the Japanese mindset but the more I look at examples of really great work, the more I see that rather than stripping everything down to almost nothing, the design philosophy is more like 'just enough'.

Being in the jewellery trade, I am possibly exposed to too much 'more is more' thought process. If something can be bigger, shinier, hold more diamonds and monetary value, then it is automatically better, both for the shop and the consumer. By contrast, although some Japanese designs may be complex or busy, if an element does not add to the balance, it is omitted.

This is a great example of just enough, the entire scene is set with just a few lines. 

Suiseiki

Looking at Japanese aesthetic sensibilities, I found this practice of Suiseiki or rock appreciation.

The aim is to identify and collect rocks from nature and then, with minimal interference, display them. You are allowed to cut the bottom flat, clean, dry and oil stones. The final presentation is judged on various criteria. You can read more at http://www.suiseki.com/about/index.html

What I like about this art form is it seems to express the ultimate goals of the found art genre. A common river rock becomes something people admire because of how it's presented. Those same people could walk past the same rock without a second glance on a nature hike.

Beauty quote