In the intricate mosaic of Japanese culture, the concept of Shizen stands as a testament to the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. Whether it's immersing oneself in the forest, strolling through a Japanese garden, or engaging in any aspect of Japanese culture, the boundary between flora and humanity remains ambiguous. The reason for this becomes apparent when we unravel the meaning of the word "Shizen [自然]."
Origin of Shizen: A Stance of Coexistence
From ancient times, the Japanese have lived harmoniously amidst nature. With approximately three-quarters of the country's landscape comprising mountains, including volcanic terrain and hills, and rivers, the majority of the land, where over 120 million people now reside, is covered with nature. This geographical backdrop has cultivated a mindset that acknowledges borrowing the land for human existence. In Japan, the distinction between nature and humanity has traditionally been blurred. The term "Shizen" is attributed to the Japanese Buddhist Shinran [親鸞], signified the inherent, unaltered state of things. Applied to humans, it encapsulates the idea of accepting oneself as one naturally is.
Shizen in Transition: Meiji Era and Beyond
In the 19th-century Meiji era, Japan embraced Western academic knowledge, leading to the need for a translation of the term "nature." Interpreting flora and fauna as naturally existing entities, the Japanese assigned the term "Shizen" to correspond with the English word "Nature." However, this usage did not inherently create a division between humans and the natural world. In the transition from the Meiji to the Showa era, the meaning of the term "nature" evolved. Originally encompassing "all things between space and earth, including humans, mountains, rivers, plants, and animals," it gradually transformed into "everything surrounding human society, including celestial bodies, mountains, rivers, plants, animals, which in some way conflict with humans." The acknowledgment of a cultivated landscape, such as fields and rice paddies, as nature, stems from perceiving them as both altered by human hands and as unaltered, presenting a dual aspect of Shizen.
Shizen in Artisanal Creation
The authentic meaning of Shizen finds expression in Japan's traditional arts and crafts. Artisans, using materials sourced from the natural world—earth, wood, Urushi lacquer—engage in a dialogue with these elements. They listen to the inherent desires of these materials and, in collaboration with nature, craft exquisite works. This collaboration, a joint creation of nature and humans, epitomizes Shizen itself.
(Youtube: Japan Made)
How might our own perception of nature transform if we viewed it not just as an external entity but as an integral part of our existence? Visit ZESSEE's Fine Art collections to embark on a journey to explore the nuances of Shizen in Japanese culture.
Author
Kaoru Kuribayashi
ZESSEE Co-Founder
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