Japanese garden
type of traditional garden
Japanese garden (日本庭園, nihon teien) is a traditional kind of garden in Japan. The garden is made to be like a small landscape.[1] The basic principle of a Japanese garden is to create harmony and balance.[2]
History
changeThe oldest Japanese text on garden-making is Sakuteiki (Records of Garden Making). The work was based on oral traditions which were published for the first time in the 11th century.[3]
Types
changeThere are many types of Japanese gardens, for example,
- The contemplation or thinking style of garden (kanshō) is designed to be studied and enjoyed from one specific place. An example of a kanshō garden is the rock and raked gravel garden at Ryōan-ji in Kyoto.[4]
- The stroll or walking style of garden (shūyū) is intended to be looked at from a path. The garden is discovered as the viewer walks along the path. An example of a shūyū garden is at Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto.[4]
- The boating or pleasure-boat style of garden (funasobi) is centered on a large pond. The best views are seen from a boat in the pond. An example of a funasobi gardem is at Byōdō-in at Uji, which is near Kyoto.[4]
- Many-pleasure style of garden (kaiyū) has a central pond and many paths. It combines aspects of kanshō, shūyū and funasobi gardens. An example of a kaiyū garden is at Katsura Imperial Villa.[4]
References
change- ↑ Gunter Nitschke, Le jardin japonais, pg. 9-10.
- ↑ "How to Make a Japanese Garden" at GoneGardening.com, May 4, 2012; retrieved 2012-10-2.
- ↑ Takei, Jiro et al. (2001). Sakuteiki Visions of the Japanese Garden: A Modern Translation of Japan's Gardening Classic, p. 3 n1.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Rowthorn, Chris. (2008). Lonely Planet Kyoto City Guide, p. 35.
Other websites
change Media related to Japanese gardens at Wikimedia Commons
- Japanese Gardens at GoJapan.com Archived 2012-10-07 at the Wayback Machine
- Japanese Gardens at Bowdoin.edu