Meditations in Japanese Handwork

When visiting Japan, one of the first things that stand out is the calm and respectful way the Japanese behave. A weaver meditatively repeats the exact same movement a thousand times a day, while the tea master dedicates every serene gesture to the harmony of the room. Although in the West we might find it hard to explain this mindful way of moving, the Japanese have a word for it: shosa.

In this book, journalist Ringo Gomez-Jorge and photographer Rob Walbers portray 12 Japanese makers from different regions. From a bamboo weaver to a tatami mat maker, from a ceramist to a Zen monk. Ringo and Rob visited these makers in their workshops and made in-depth portraits in words and pictures. In this book, they report on their journey through Japan, hoping to uncover the complex meaning of shosa through the hands of Japanese makers.

hardcover | 224 pages  |  18 x 26 cm | 

About the creators

Freelance journalist Ringo Gomez-Jorge lives in Belgium and writes for quality Flemish newspapers such as De Standaard and De Morgen. He has a soft spot for Japan, where he tries to spend as much time as possible. Rob Walbers works as a freelance photographer out of Tokyo. His work ranges from music photography to fashion and lifestyle. Besides his commercial assignments, he works on personal projects that have won him several awards.