© 2026 Mujo Store. All rights reserved.
Skip to product information
1 left
The Japanese philosopher and aesthete's definitive, hugely influential exposition of his philosophy of folkcrafts, setting out the hallmarks of Japanese design as we know it today – anonymity, quality, simplicity and honesty – and, of course, wabi-sabi, the beauty of imperfection.
Our lives are filled with objects. Everyday things used in everyday settings, they are our constant companions. As such, writes Soetsu Yanagi, they should be made with care and built to last, treated with respect and even affection. They should be natural and simple, sturdy and safe – an aesthetic fulfilment of our practical needs. They should, in short, be things of beauty.
Long revered as the authority on craftsmanship and Japanese aesthetics, Yanagi devoted his life and writing to defend the value of craft. In an age of feeble and ugly machine-made things, this now-classic book is a call for each of us to deepen our relationship with the objects that surround us. Inspired by the work of the simple artisans Yanagi encountered on his lifelong travels through Japan and Korea, it is a heartfelt defence of modest, honest, handcrafted objects, from traditional teacups to jars to paper. Objects that exemplify the beauty of everyday things.
“Radical and inspiring ... Yanagi's vision puts the connection between heart and hand before the transient and commercial” – Edmund de Waal
“Soetsu Yanagi's unerring eye has influenced generations of makers. His notion of Zen and the art of design continues to inspire all those involved in shaping our everyday world” – Jasper Morrison
Details
- Author: Soetsu Yanagi
- Publisher: Penguin Classics
- Publication date: 2019
- Pages: 352
- Format: paperback
Explore more art, craft and photography books.
Shipping
- We Ship Worldwide.
- Free shipping on orders over $150 within Australia (excludes some bulky items). Otherwise shipping is calculated at checkout from package size and weight.
- Australia, standard: 3-6 working days from dispatch.
- Australia, express: 1-3 working days from dispatch, plus 1 working day for rural areas.
- International: tracked Australia Post delivery. Australia Post estimates 5-10 working days for standard parcels between major metro areas, but times vary by destination. See Australia Post's international delivery times guide for your country. All estimates are for metro areas, and regional or rural addresses will likely take longer. Customs or carrier delays can also affect delivery, and a few destinations may be temporarily unavailable.
- US orders: US tariffs are included in the price you pay, so there are no extra tariff charges on delivery.
- Other international orders: buyers are responsible for any import duties, taxes and charges, which aren't included in the item price or shipping cost.
- All orders ship from Perth, W.A. Australia.
- Full details: Shipping policy
Returns
- Return window: you can return an item within 7 days of delivery.
- To start a return: contact us at contact@mujostore.com for the return form and return address. Send everything in one shipment by insured, signature-required post. You're responsible for the parcel until we receive it.
- Condition: items must be unused, unwashed, unstained and undamaged, with original tags (if applicable), all parts and accessories, and original packaging. A restocking fee may apply if the original packaging isn't returned.
- Not returnable: sale items (final sale), made-to-order items and earrings. Some limited-edition or one-off handcrafted pieces may also be ineligible, so contact us before buying if you're unsure.
- Return costs: you pay return shipping unless we sent the wrong item. For international returns, customs duty and taxes on the return shipment are deducted from your refund.
- Refunds and exchanges: we'll email to confirm once we've received your return. Refunds are calculated in AUD, so the amount may differ slightly from what you paid in your own currency. US tariffs included in the price are not refundable.
- Damaged parcel? Email contact@mujostore.com before opening it and send a photo.
- Full details: Refund policy
Gift Wrapping Service
To have your item gift wrapped, click here and add it to your cart.
About Mujo Store
A curated selection of handcrafted Japanese homeware & everyday objects for slow living.
Mujo Store is an online shop based in Perth, Australia. Find kitchenware, ceramics, cookware, Japanese incense, and more. Sustainable materials, tradition, minimal & functional design, and small-scale production.