One of the most important concepts of Japanse culture "Mitate"

"Mitate" is one of the most important concepts to understand Japanese traditional culture. In short, "Mitate" means to see something to resemble others; is a way of expression which gives freshness and element of surprise, and thus it gives people intriguing experience.



For example, "Ikebana(Japanese flower arrangement)", or "Bonsai" as well, simulates beauty of nature into a snapshot in a vase, or it can be said, of beauty and grace of ladies in beutifully arranged flowers. In a larger scale , it becomes Nihon Teien(Japanese garden) . Like this way, you can find "Mitate" in various fields in Japanese culture.

"Sado(Japanese tea ceremony) is another good example of "Mitate" . Drinking tea itself is just an everyday activity. However, the ancient Sado experts saw it in a different angle and heightened it to the level of art, which also related to the mind of Zen. They even used ordinary tea cups which had been used day-to-day home in Korea at that time. They integrated those cups into the most important part of this form of beauty.



The "Mitate" concept can be said that it comes from people's real creative mind that is in the sprit of no constraints. This is, of course, not a monopoly for Japanese people so you can own "Mitate" in your room using "Byobu", "Andon", "Aritayaki" porcelain, etc. and sophisticate your own "Mitate" talent!