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What is Japandi Art? Merging Minimalism with Timeless Style

Japandi art is minimalistic, elegant, and organic. But most importantly Japandi art is personal, and works together with interior design to bring the Japandi aesthetic alive with timeless style in a space.
Last updated May 14, 2024

Introduction

Japandi is a design trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years, as more people seek to create interiors that are simple, functional, and inviting. Japandi combines the minimalism and elegance of Japanese aesthetics with the warmth and coziness of Scandinavian style, resulting in a harmonious and organic look.

What is Japandi Art?

But Japandi is not only limited to interior design. It can also be applied to art, as a creative way to express oneself through artwork. Japandi art is minimalistic, elegant, and organic. But most importantly Japandi art is personal, and works together with interior design to bring the Japandi aesthetic alive with timeless style in a space.

Let’s explore some of the characteristics of Japandi art and how you can create your own Japandi-inspired artwork.

Nature Scenes or Simple Geometric Shapes

One of the common features of Japandi art is that it often features nature scenes or simple geometric shapes, such as cherry blossoms, mountains, or circles. These motifs reflect the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which is the appreciation of the beauty and imperfection of nature, as well as the Scandinavian concept of hygge, which is the feeling of comfort and coziness.

Minimalist Enso Circle Print by The Art of Zen
Minimalist Enso Circle Print by The Art of Zen

For example, you can create a Japandi painting by using watercolors to paint a simple landscape of a mountain and a lake, with some cherry blossoms in the foreground. Or you can create a Japandi collage by cutting out circles of different sizes and colors from paper and arranging them on a canvas.

Muted Colors

Another characteristic of Japandi art is that it uses muted colors, such as black, white, brown, beige, or green, to create a calm and harmonious atmosphere. These colors are inspired by the natural elements, such as wood, stone, or plants, that are often used in Japandi design. They also create a contrast between the light and bright aspects of Scandinavian design and the warm and sophisticated elements of Japanese design.

Misty sea minimalist Japandi wall art by The Art of Zen
Misty sea minimalist Japandi wall art by The Art of Zen

For example, you can create a Japandi drawing by using a black pen to draw a simple outline of a vase and some flowers, and then filling in the shapes with white, beige, and green colored pencils. Or you can create a Japandi sculpture by using clay to mold a simple bowl and then painting it with a matte black glaze.

Want to go in depth? Master the Ultimate Japandi Color Palette for a Tranquil Home Oasis.

Craftsmanship and Quality

Another characteristic of Japandi art is that it emphasizes craftsmanship and quality, using natural materials, such as wood, paper, or clay, or techniques, such as woodblock printing, origami, or pottery. These materials and techniques reflect the Japanese and Scandinavian traditions of craftsmanship, which value the skill and attention to detail that go into making something by hand. They also add texture and character to the artwork, making it more unique and personal.

For example, you can create a Japandi print by using a woodblock to carve a simple pattern, such as a leaf or a star, and then using ink to print it on a piece of paper. Or you can create a Japandi origami by folding a piece of paper into a simple shape, such as a crane or a heart.

Balance and Harmony

The final characteristic of Japandi art is that it balances contrast and harmony, combining the light and bright aspects of Scandinavian design with the warm and sophisticated elements of Japanese design. This balance creates a sense of harmony and tranquility, as well as a sense of interest and dynamism. It also reflects the Japandi philosophy of finding the middle ground between the extremes, such as simplicity and complexity, or form and function.

Circle of Waves -- a Japandi art print
Circle of Waves — a Japandi art print

For example, you can create a Japandi poster by using a white background and a black font to write a simple and inspirational quote, such as “Less is more” or “Find joy in the ordinary”. Or you can create a Japandi candle by using a clear glass jar and a white wax to make a simple and elegant candle, and then adding some dried flowers or herbs to add some color and fragrance.

Where to buy Japandi Art

If you are interested in finding some examples of Japandi art, one of the best places online is Etsy. Featuring a plethora of independent artists, you’ll find a large variety of Japandi art on the platform.

Amazon is also an option, although a more mass-market selection of art can be found here.

Another great source of inspiration and art is Pinterest, searching for Japandi art as the key words. Check out The Art of Zen Pinterest board on Japandi wall art.

Alternatively, if time and budget allows, consider commissioning one or more large format Japandi artwork from an artist.

At The Art of Zen we sell original Japandi art work on our Etsy store that you’ll not find anywhere else. Don’t make your living room like everyone else’s.

A collection of Japandi wall art by The Art of Zen
A collection of Japandi wall art by The Art of Zen

Conclusion

Japandi art is a creative fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics, resulting in artwork that is minimalistic, elegant, and organic. By following some of the characteristics of Japandi art, such as nature scenes or simple geometric shapes, muted colors, craftsmanship and quality, and balance and harmony, you can create your own Japandi-inspired artwork that will add a touch of style and zen to your home or office.

Before you go, here are the Key New Trends in Japandi Interior Design for 2024.

Read more:

Japanese Art Prints by The Art of Zen featuring Wave Art
Japanese Art Prints by The Art of Zen featuring Wave Art

At the Art of Zen we have a wide selection of original Japanese style art prints in the ukiyo-e and Japandi style. Some of our best selling work is Mount Fuji art and Japandi wall art.

Add some zen to your space with some art from the Art of Zen shop.

Salman A

Salman A

Based in the vibrant city of Dubai, I thrive as a designer and filmmaker with a passion sparked in childhood by the thrilling adventures of UFO Robot Grendizer and Speed Racer. My journey took a deeper dive into the world of art through a profound fascination with Japanese culture, enriched by memorable times spent in Japan. Creativity pulses at the core of who I am. Connect with me for tailor-made design and film projects that bring your visions to life.

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