mingei 民芸
民 folk, people · 芸 art, craft
Mingei (folk craft) refers to ordinary, handmade objects produced by anonymous craftspeople for everyday use. The concept was established by Yanagi Soetsu and others in the early 20th century, who brought renewed appreciation to the beauty of utilitarian objects. The Japan Folk Crafts Museum (Mingeikan) in Tokyo is the central institution preserving this philosophy.
Mingei objects are characterized by thick-walled construction, cheerful appearance, and enduring quality made for daily living. The movement valued artifacts that conveyed natural material textures and practical function.