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About Collecting
by Yanagi Soetsu, 1955
I am often called a "collector," but am not particularly happy as being classified as such. I personally believe that I differ greatly from the average collector because, firstly, I have never collected for the sake of collecting. Secondly, I do not collect with the wish to possess.
For the past 25-some years, I have been collecting for the Mingeikan (Folk Crafts Museum) which is a public institution. The purpose has always been aimed at public understanding about true or correct beauty. In other words, I have painstakingly collected and laid the groundwork to create and establish what you might call the Pantheon of Beauty. Therefore the collection has never been for my self interest, but always for the general public.
There exists the yearn for beauty within everyone. To define that beauty is a learning process in which one discovers and reflects upon one's primary honor. In that sense, the collecting I have done, is a reflection of the path my heart has taken. Each and every item is my close companion, and at the same time, my great teacher. The Mingeikan thus is a symbol of genuine gratitude for all blessings received. There are people who build museums and name it after themselves. I did not establish the Mingeikan to publicize my name. Rather, it is a commemoration of works that have been introduced to me, a realm in which individual names are unimportant before the truth. Many visitors have already noticed that the majority of works on display were created by the unknown artisan or craftsman.
I will continue to collect at my best, with what little resources I have. For that is where I find a meaning in life -- my reason for being born. It is probably beneficial for one "collector" like myself to be active in the "collector's world." In Buddhism, there is the thought of returning to share one's blessings after one has reached the Pure Land after life. It is important for the enlightened to consider how all could reach the various realms of enlightenment, then show us the way. The enlightened should speak out about the sights in the realms of enlightenment. I hope it is understood that the Mingeikan is undertaking such a role with its collection.
by Soetsu Yanagi, 1955
(translated by Mimura Kyoko)
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