Iki (aesthetic ideal)

"Iki" (いき, often written ) is a traditional aesthetic ideal in Japan. The basis of "iki" is thought to have been formed among commoners (chonin) in Edo, pre-modern Tokyo. Among those who are not familiar with Japanese culture, some tend to misunderstand "iki" as simply "anything Japanese." "Iki", however, is one of Japanese aesthetic ideals and requires specific conditions. Samurai are typically thought as devoid of "iki" (see "yabo").

While other Japanese aesthetic ideals, such as "wabi-sabi", are almost extinct in today's Japan, "iki" is widely applied today. An average modern Japanese would find it difficult to translate what "wabi-sabi" means into English, because its definition relies on certain cultural assumptions. "Wabi-sabi" continues to influence Japanese culture, although its influence is far less than in pre-modern times. On the other hand, "iki" is commonly used in conversation or publications.

An "iki" thing/situation would be simple, improvised, straight, restrained, temporary, romantic, ephemeral, original, refined, inconspicuous, etc. An "iki" person/deed would be audacious, chic, pert, tacit, sassy, unselfconscious, calm, indifferent, unintentionally coquettish, open-minded, restrained, etc.

An "iki" thing/person/situation cannot be perfect, artistic, arty, complicated, gorgeous, curved, wordy, intentionally coquettish, or cute.

"Iki" can be used for almost anything, but especially for people (and their personality and deeds), situation, architecture, fashion, design, etc. It always describes something to do with people, or their will. "Iki" is not found in nature itself, but can be found in the human act of appreciating the beauty of nature. The most widely-known Japanese writer embodying "iki" is Haruki Murakami, who writes straightforwardly of idiosyncratic topics. Contrast Murakami with Yasunari Kawabata, whose work is firmly in the "wabi-sabi" tradition.

In the Kansai area, the ideal of "sui" is prevalent. "Sui" is also represented by the kanji "粋". The sense of "sui" is similar to iki but not identical, reflecting various regional differences. The contexts of their usages are also different.

"Tsū"

The indefinite ideal of tsū (通) can be said to reference a highly cultivated but not necessarily solemn sensibility. The "iki"/"tsu" sensibility resists being construed within the context of overly specific rules about what could be considered as vulgar or uncouth. [Gallaher, John. "Geisha: A Unique World of Tradition, Elegance, and Art." p. 8.]

"Iki" and "tsu" are considered synonymous in some situations, but "tsu" exclusively refers to persons, while "iki" can also refer to situations/objects. In both ideals, the property of refinement is not academic in nature. "Tsu" sometimes involves excessive obsession and cultural (but not academic) pedantry, and in this case, it differs from "iki", which will not be obsessive. "Tsu" is used, for example, for knowing how to properly appreciate (eat) Japanese cuisines (sushi, tempura, soba etc.). "Tsu" (and some "iki"-style) can be transferred from person to person in form of "tips." As "tsu" is more focused in knowledge, it may be considered superficial from "iki" point of view, since "iki" cannot be easily attained by learning.

"Yabo"

"Yabo" (野暮) is the antonym of "iki". "Busui" (無粋), literally "non-"iki"," is synonymous to "yabo".

References

* Gallagher, John. (2003). "Geisha: A Unique World of Tradition, Elegance, and Art". New York: Sterling Publishing. ISBN 1-856-48697-4
* Heidegger, Martin. (1982). "A Dialogue on Language: between a Japanese and an Inquirer." "On The Way to Language". San Francisco: Harper & Row. ISBN 0-0606-3859-1 (paper)
* Nara, Hiroshi. (2004). "The Structure of Detachment: the Aesthetic Vision of Kuki Shūzō with a translation of "Iki no kōzō." Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 0-8248-2735-X (cloth) ISBN 0-8248-2805-4 (paper)
* Pincus, Leslie. (1996). "Authenticating Culture in Imperial Japan: Kuki Shūzō and the Rise of National Aesthetics." Berkeley: University of California Press. ISBN 0-5202-0134-5 (paper)
* Seigle, Cecila Segawa. (1993). "Yoshiwara: The Glittering World of the Japanese Courtesan." Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press. ISBN 0-8248-1488-6 (paper)

External links

* ja icon [http://cosmoshouse.com/works/papers/index-e.htm "An Aesthetics of Everyday Life: Modernism and a Japanese popular aesthetic ideal, Iki"] -(A modern approach towards "iki")
* [http://www.aozora.gr.jp/cards/000065/files/393_1765.html 九鬼周造『「いき」の構造』] -(A classic theory of "iki")