Dec 2024 read: In Praise of the Shadows by Tanizaki Jun’ichirō

December felt like a month of noticing things I might usually overlook. After reading In Praise of Shadows, I found myself paying more attention to the way light pools in corners, how certain spaces feel different at night, or how texture and shadow can make something feel more alive. The book didn’t just describe aesthetics—it shifted the way I perceived them. Without really meaning to, I started appreciating the quieter details of my surroundings, the things that don’t demand attention but shape an atmosphere all the same.

In Praise of the Shadows by Tanizaki Jun’ichirō

German title: Lob des Schattens

In Praise of Shadows by Junichiro Tanizaki is a reflection on aesthetics, tradition, and the way beauty is shaped by darkness as much as light. Through observations on architecture, design, and everyday objects, Tanizaki contrasts the Western pursuit of brightness with a more subtle appreciation for shadow and imperfection. His writing lingers on the glow of candlelight, the texture of aged materials, and the quiet richness of spaces designed to be experienced in dimness. It’s a book that doesn’t just describe a way of seeing—it invites you to notice what’s usually in the background.