Yanagi Sōetsu

Yanagi Sōetsu was a Japanese philosopher and critic who founded the Mingei movement, emphasizing the beauty of traditional Japanese folk crafts created by anonymous artisans. He believed that these handcrafted objects reflected authentic cultural values and connected people to their heritage. Sōetsu promoted the appreciation of simple, functional, and well-made everyday goods, advocating for their preservation in the face of increasing industrialization. His ideas influenced Japan's appreciation for indigenous craft traditions and contributed to a broader appreciation of beauty in functional, handmade objects.