This is a bit of an addendum to the previous posting. I just finished reading a book on the japanese aesthetic wabi sabi and have a deeper appreciation for the overlooked beauty in the imperfect, broken and mundane. It's an interesting comparison to my new love of zakka which some consider japanese kitsch. I see an interesting cross over in that they can both be humble, flawed, and handmade. Someone could really sink their teeth into this and write a fabulous essay on the subject - please keep me posted if you go there. Maybe I'll circle back later. Anyway I hadn't remembered to visit wikipedia on my last zakka search but of course wiki has a great definition: zakka is the term for everything and anything that spruces up your home, life and outlook. On one level the zakka boom is just another in a series of consumer fads, but on another it's plugged into something spiritual. Cute, corny and kitsch is not enough. To qualify as a zakka, a product must be attractive, sensitive, laden with subtexts. And they link to this Tribune article discussing its elusive meaning and trend.

And now for dessert... see tasty zakka visuals from crafter extraordinaire Hilary at wee wonderfuls and then click here for good zakka & zakka mania portals, and the utterly adorable kita usagi.