“Whenever I see the alcove of
a tastefully built Japanese room, I marvel at our comprehension of the secrets
of shadows, our sensitive use of shadow and light. For the beauty of the alcove
is not the work of some clever device. An empty space is marked off with plain
wood and plain walls, so that the light drawn into its forms dim shadows within
emptiness. There is nothing more. And yet, when we gaze into the darkness that
gathers behind the crossbeam, around the flower vase, beneath the shelves,
though we know perfectly well it is mere shadow, we are overcome with the
feeling that in this small corner of the atmosphere there reigns complete and
utter silence; that here in the darkness immutable tranquility holds sway.”
Junichiro Tanizaki, 'In Praise of Shadows'
Posts
