Lovely expression. I would further the idea by suggesting that great design happens at the limits of the material. Once one has mastered a craft and its accompanying materials, it is what happens at the edges of that material that become innovative. And it is at that intersection of innovation and material that a craft keeps from becoming anachronistic.
There is a great value in “made by hand” — if made by hand means the willful desire towards mastery. As you also point out, it is the acceptance of the unreasonable that drives someone towards mastery.

Grateful to have found your blog.