In Praise of Shadows

"In Praise of Shadows" is an essay by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki that celebrates traditional Japanese aesthetics, emphasizing subtlety, shadows, and understated beauty over bright, modern illumination. It discusses how shadows create depth, mystery, and atmosphere, enriching visual and sensory experiences. Tanizaki argues that darkness fosters elegance, nuance, and serenity, contrasting with Western preferences for clarity and brightness. The essay encourages appreciation of shadows as integral to beauty, authenticity, and tradition, inviting readers to find elegance in subtlety and the quiet, shadowed spaces that inspire introspection and cultural depth.