Posted on Apr 29, 2010

ikuko Yoshida, Japanese aesthetics

How do the Japanese define beauty? Are Japanese aesthetics different from American aesthetics?

Ikuko Yoshida, a professor of Japanese language and culture at Bennington College in Vermont, will explain the Japanese perception of beauty through the demonstration of Ikebana, or Japanese-style flower arrangement, Monday, May 3, at 12:50-1:50 p.m. in Humanities Room 115.

“Ikebana is an art form that Japanese people have been enjoying since the 15th century,” said Junko Ueno, director of the Asian Studies program, which is sponsoring the event.

Each element in Ikebana has a symbolic meaning, and each symbol represents cultural perspectives and aesthetics. There is deep consideration of principles found in nature and of relationships between humans and nature.