Shibui (渋い)

About Shibui (渋い)

Shibui (渋い) is a Japanese term which refers to a particular aesthetic of simple, subtle, and unobtrusive beauty. Like other Japanese aesthetic terms, such as iki and wabi-sabi, shibui can apply to a wide variety of subjects, not just art or fashion. While shibui is the adjective form of the word, it is just as often used as a noun, in the form shibumi (渋み) or shibusa (渋さ).

In the Edo period (1603-1867) of Japanese history, the term had gradually began to be used to refer to a pleasing aesthetic: The people of Edo expressed their tastes in using this term to refer to anything from song to fashion to craftsmanship that was beautiful by being understated, or by being precisely what it was meant to be and not elaborated upon. Essentially, the aesthetic ideal of shibumi seeks out events, performances, people or objects that are beautiful in a direct and simple way, without being flashy.

This group strives to represent simplicity, understatement and the convergence of these in beauty. A few guidelines:

1. Post photos that you think and feel represent shibumi.
2. Post as many as you feel necessary.
3. Post-processing (image manipulation) is ok, as long as it does not obscure or diminish the original photo.

Thank you and enjoy. Welcome to Shibui.