Three layer model of aesthetics

Abstract

While authors surveyed the use of chopsticks, they found that there are different types of norms regarding the good/bad use of chopsticks. Japanese culture has created a set of rules on good manners and bad manners for using them. Good manners are DOs for the manner of using them to appear as smooth and beautiful in a similar way as the hand motion of Japanese traditional dance. When picking them up from the table, it is recommended to take three steps by the right hand first, then the left hand and finally the right hand. Then, for placing back them down on the table, the reverse movement is recommended. We can distinguish behaviors in three different layer of POSITVE manners, NON-NEGATIVE manners and NEGATIVE manners. We can say that, in a more generic sense, the cultural constraints can be classified in these layers in terms of the aesthetics. We can easily find other behavioral constraints in such cases as bowing, walking, opening the door (Fusuma), presenting the gift, etc.