Wabi-Sabi (侘寂) is expressed in the subsiding, declining, and dematerializing of natural flora. The etymological roots of Sabi (寂) are connected with the verb sabiru (寂びる), meaning “to mellow". Autumn particularly expresses the appreciation of impermanence valued in Wabi-Sabi (侘寂). Endings are suggestive, suggestive of what has been.
Koko (考古) - Weathered Appearance. A sense of age derived from long exposure to the elements. This applies especially to Autumn as nature, amid cooler days and nights, shorter daylight, and vegetation passing from bloom reflects the accumulated influences of the preceding seasons.
Shuuki (秋気) - Autumn Air. Gentle, crisp, calm.
Momiji (紅葉) - colored autumn leaves, especially red and yellow.
Uragare (末枯れ) - the withered twigs and branches of plants and trees in late autumn.
Aki no kure (秋の暮) - Autumn twilight. Autumn evenings still contain enough light to observe a transition to dusk. Metaphorically, expresses feelings of melancholy.
Kiri (霧) - Mist, fog. Traditionally associated with autumn, but also occurs in Winter.
Ochiba (落葉) - fallen leaves.
Exploring Japanese aesthetic Wabi-Sabi (侘寂) through seasonal nature photography. Motifs are available for purchase as matte prints framed in oak wood.
©2023 侘寂 Wabi-Sabi Nature Photography