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What does shibumi mean in Japanese garden design?
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Japanese garden
A Japanese garden.
In the context of Japanese garden design, shibumi refers to an aesthetic quality characterized by an unassuming appearance that conceals a deeper refinement.1
This quality is not immediately obvious; rather, it is a subtle elegance that is perceptible only to a cultivated taste. During the Muromachi period, as gardens became more focused on subjective expression and individuality, shibumi became a highly sought-after trait, reflecting a preference for restraint and the discovery of beauty that is hidden rather than displayed.1