The Mingei movement is a Japanese folk art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, emphasizing the beauty of everyday objects created by anonymous artisans. It celebrates traditional crafts, such as pottery, textiles, and woodworking, valuing functionality and simplicity over mass production and industrial design. Founded by Soetsu Yanagi, the movement sought to elevate the status of these handmade items, viewing them as expressions of cultural identity and human creativity. The term "mingei" translates to "folk art," reflecting the belief that beauty can be found in the ordinary and the utilitarian, connecting people to their heritage.