JAPANESE GARDENS

COMPILED BY:HARPREET KAUR HIMANSHI GUPTA

PRANEET R.M. SINGHTSHERING CHODEN SAMDRUP 4th SEMESTER B

- The art of gardening is believed to be an important part of Japanese culture for many centuries.

- Shinto, Buddhism and Taoism were used in the creation of different garden styles in order to bring a spiritual sense to the gardens and make them places where people could spend their time in a peaceful way and meditate

- Core values of Japanese gardening have been largely shaped by Chinese culture and tradition.

- Religion ,in particular Buddhism ,also had a major influence on Japanese gardening.

- According to Shintoism ,the native religion of Japan everything in nature is sacred; trees, plants, and rocks.

- They used white gravel in temples as to keep areas clean and white as a means of enticing the spirits and gods to visit these places.

- Shintoism is not much the worship of rocks ,but the veneration of the spirit that created those objects.

INTRODUCTION

The history of the Japanese gardens goes back to around the 7th century. The first Japanese gardens, that expressed Shinto, Buddhism and Taoism visions can be traced back to the Asuka Period. They were designed to capture the landscape in its natural form. From this period the basic rules of designing gardens was established. 

 Heian Period is the second very important chapter in the development of Japanese garden art. Aristocratic style of gardens where created in front of the mansion with artificial ponds and islands.

During the Kamakura Period and Muromachi Period garden-making techniques  improved considerably because of the rise of  the Zen style. Many gardens designed in that time  were properties of successive shoguns and daimios, who belong to the highest class in Japanese society. Famous gardens created after Meiji Period were frequented by business people and politicians. Most of them are opened to the public now and play a role in city parks.

CHRONOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

Natural: That should make the garden look as if it grew by itself Asymmetry: That creates the impression of it being natural Odd numbers: Like three, five or seven; that support the effect of the

asymmetry. Simplicity: That follows the idea of 'less is more' Triangle: That is the most common shape for compositions made of stones,

plants, etc. Contrast: That creates tension between elements Lines: That can create both tranquillity and tension Curves: That softens the effect Openness: That indicates interaction between all elements

BASIC RULES IN THE DESIGN OF JAPANESE GARDENS

The line between garden and its surrounding landscape is not distinct. In the Japanese garden, the viewer should consider nature as a picture frame into which the garden, or the man- made work of art, is inserted.

ESSENTIAL ASPECTS

PRINCIPLES OF JAPANESE GARDENS

A common design principle found in most Japanese garden is the use of asymmetry.

Plants and trees are often arranged in an asymmetric fashion, as are fences and hedges.

The clever use of space is unique where empty spaces are deliberately left unfiled to create feeling of spaciousness and uncluttered calm.

Balance, the proportions and spaces are an essential design principle.

Plants are represented by moss that surrounds the rock.

Water is represented by raked gravel.

In spring one revels in the bright green of new buds and the blossoms of the azaleas.

In summer you appreciate the contrasts of the lush foliage painted against the cool shadows.

Fall wrests the brilliant colors from dying leaves as they slip into the deathly hush of winter, the garden buried under a shroud of snow.

Winters is as much a garden season in Japan as spring. The Japanese refer to snow piled on the branches of trees a sekku, or snow blossoms, and there is a lantern known as yukimi that is named the snow viewing lantern.

SYMBOLISM

ELEMENTS OF JAPANESE GARDENS

There are three indispensable or key elements without which a Japanese garden cannot be made, that are: Plants Rocks Water

Other subsidiary elements: Paths Lanterns Fences

A stone lantern representing four natural elements: earth, water, fire and wind.

Statues of male and female lions, placed at the entrance of the garden in order to protect the garden from intruders.

Water basin known as a deer chaser, which keep deer away by making a special sound when filled up.

Typical Japanese bridge, called a moon bridge, whose purpose is to reflect artistic feelings.

Japanese garden is predominately green with its use of evergreen trees. The trees and plants are chosen not just for their beauty and gracefulness but

also for their symbolism. The deep greens of pines symbolize timeless and longevity, while the colors of

the maples and cherries reflect the changing seasons.

PLANTS

Cherry (Prunus serrulata) and plum trees are extensively used in Japanese gardens. Both flowers in early April.

Moss: It is a primitive plant and there are

many different varieties in existence.

Moss needs damp shady conditions in order to flourish.

In constantly dry, sunny aspect, it will not grow.

Moss is most often found in woodland area under the shade of trees where nothing else will grow.

Scientific Name: Abies Firma Habitat: Evergreen Texture: Coarse Height: 40’ to 70’ Leaf: 1.5" dark green needles are notched at base; sharp prickly

point Flower/Fruit: 3.5 to 5" brown cones

JAPANESE FIR

JAPANESE STRIPPED – BARK MAPPLE Scientific Name: Acer capillipes Habit: Deciduous Growth Rate: Moderate Site Requirements: Sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well drained soil Texture: Medium Form: Round head; low branches Height: 30 to 35’ Flower/Fruit: Greenish white flowers on 2.5 to 4" pendulous raceme; attractive samara in fall

TREES IN JAPANESE GARDENS

Scientific Name: Acer palmatum

Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Site Requirements: Light dappled shade; evenly moist,

well drained soil; protect from drying winds

Texture: Medium to fine

Form: Low; dense rounded top; spreading branches;

assumes a layered look

Height: 15 to 25'

Flower/Fruit: Small red to purple

flowers; attractive if viewed closely but

insignificant from a distance.

JAPANESE MAPLE

Scientific Name

Betula grossa

Growth Rate: Moderate

Site Requirements: Sun; moist well drained

soil

Texture: Medium

Form: Pyramidal

Height: 20 to 25'

Leaf: 2 to 4" alternate, simple leaves; yellow fall

color

Flower/Fruit: Nonshowy flowers

JAPANESE CHERRY BIRCH

The rocks are like the coordinates of a garden project. Choosing the right type of rock and positioning them on right place.

Size is meaningful only when viewed in the context of the scale of the garden & its relationship with the neighboring rocks and other artifacts.

Variation in rock sizes offer greater contrast & interest resulting in the more dynamic arrangement of rocks.

ROCKS

Rocks are often used to represent islands and mountains, so conical or dome shape would be the obvious choice.

Colors, generally bright colors are avoided. Color of rocks generally varies from grey to black, and from yellow to brick red

on other hand. Texture, one of the vital characteristics of any rock. A jagged textured rock gives feeling of timelessness and dignity. Smooth rocks like water worn stones or glacial boulders convey the feeling of

antiquity especially when combined in an interesting shape.

Placing of rocks in Japanese gardens is quite rhythmic just like a music

composition where individual rocks acts as musical notes.

Certain guidelines or ground rules are followed to achieve good results such as:

Rocks of varying sizes are used to emphasize the contrast. Generally asymmetric arrangement of rocks is preferred over symmetrical

arrangement. Sometimes there is a tradition for arranging the rocks to reflect the

philosophical concept heaven, earth and man.

Water is used not just for its visual quality, but also for its sound. The Japanese have learnt to exploit the sound of water in all its various form. it

varies from powerful waterfall to water falling into a water basin, creating different emotions.

It represents the sea, lake, pond or river in nature. Non geometrical in appearance; in order to preserve the natural shapes, man- made ponds are asymmetrical. The bank of the pond is usually bordered by stones A fountain is sometimes found at the bottom of a hill or hillside or secluded forest. Wells are sometimes found in a Japanese garden.

WATER OR IKE

There are number of ways in which water can be used in Japanese gardens:

As a pond or lake setting, in a stream and as a waterfall. If the objective is to create an expensive atmosphere then a pond or lake is the

answer. If the aim is dynamic effect, which will stimulate both visual and acoustic

senses then waterfall is more suitable.

Usually used in tea gardens. Flat stepping stones served to preserve the grass as well as orient the viewer to

a specific visual experience.  Step- stones are found near the veranda or entrance of the house or tea room.

The visitor of the house or room is expected to place his shoes on the step- stone before entering.

PATHS OR TOBI ISHI

The basins vary from simple depressions in uncut stone to elaborate carved stone creations, and are usually provided with a bamboo dipper for scooping up water. Two kinds of stone water basins- Kazari- chozubachi, which is kept near the verandah Tsukubai for tea gardenStone lanterns are placed besides prominent water basins whose luminance underscored the unfinished beauty of the tea aesthetic.

WATER BASINS AND LANTERNS

There are three types of fences: The short fence which extends from the house

into the garden An inner fence and an outer fence. Short fences or sodegaki are screens that hide unwanted views or objects. They are about 6 or 7 feet high. Add color and texture to the garden. Materials used are bamboo, wood and twigs of bamboo or tree.

FENCES AND WALLS

TYPES OF JAPANESE GARDENS

Legacy of ancient Chinese imperial park tradition. The imperial hunting parks complete with vast man-made lakes and miniature

mountains and islands. The imperial gardens were created on a massive scale and filled with all manner

of choice indigenous plants, shrubs, and trees. Stroll gardens are by definition gardens for walking in. Here visitors can enjoy a

leisurely stroll taking in all beautiful scenery. All the ingredients that make a Japanese garden are here- rocks, plants, and water.

THE STROLL GARDENS

Also described as “gardens of emptiness”. Generally, a garden that has nothing but a few bare rocks in patch of sand. These gardens were uncluttered and reduced to the bare minimum. Some refer to them as mini-malsit gardens also. Also called “Kare-sansui” which means empty landscape. Zen warriors(highly educated) developed a very sophisticated and refined

sense of artistic taste and that combined with their very simple and frugal life style evolved into the characteristic Zen style that we know today.

THE ZEN TEMPLE GARDENS

On first impression tea garden appears to be simply a small Japanese garden consisting of a few stepping stones plus a lantern, water basin and tiny hut.

The traditional tea garden is in fact two garden in one. There is the simple outer garden, where guest gather in a waiting area, and

the inner garden that contains the tea house. The outer garden is approached by a stepping stone path, lit by a rough stone

lantern. The tea garden is essentially a small garden no bigger than the passage way of

a normal suburban house including the backyard. The stepping stone path leads to the waiting area which has a simple hut like structure with a bench often referred to as the waiting pavilion. The entrance area, which incorporates the stepping stone path is the outer garden. Beyond this is the inner garden, which has the tea house.

TEA GARDENS

The Japanese courtyards are not large areas, in fact are very small spaces seldom more than fifty to a hundred square feet in size.

A simple arrangement of gravel and a few rocks or just a minimalist planting of bamboo or rush will do the trick.

The scale of courtyard garden makes it ideally suited for indoor, roof top and atrium situations.

The elements of a courtyard garden are similar to the elements of a tea garden, however more shade tolerant plants are used.

The design principles of traditional Japanese courtyard gardens, are very suited for creating contemporary small spaces on roofs or terraces.

COURTYARD GARDENS

KINKAKU-JI GARDEN

INTRODUCTIONAlso known as Rokuon-ji, is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan.

The Golden Pavilion is a three-story building on the grounds of the Rokuon-ji

temple complex.

The top two stories of the pavilion are covered with pure gold leaf.The Golden Pavilion is set in a magnificent Japanese strolling garden.

The pavilion extends over a pond, called Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond), that reflects the

building.The Kinkaku-ji grounds were built according to descriptions of the Western Paradise

of the Buddha Amida, intending to illustrate a harmony between heaven and earth.

The largest islet in the pond represents the Japanese islands.

The four stones forming a straight line in the pond near the pavilion are intended to

represent sailboats anchored at night, bound for the Isle of Eternal Life in Chinese

mythology.

The Kyoko-chi pond spreads in the central of the garden (south) with the

Kinugasa-yama mountain (north) in the background.

Inside the pond are eight vary sized islands or famous rocks dedicated by feudal

lords of that time, expressing the Land of Happiness by likening it to the

Shichiho-ike pond drawn in the Jyodo (paradise) mandala.

The gorgeous Golden pavilion symbols the Land of Happiness.

The pond reflects the Golden Pavilion like a mirror, and makes the gorgeous

Golden Pavilion shine even more.

The rustic thatch-roofed building stands in great contrast to the shiny Golden

Pavilion. The water falls in the Kinkaku-ji garden drop a distance of 2.3 meters before

emptying into the pool. In the pool are stones resembling carp (rigyoseki), in

reference to the ancient Chinese myth that when carp climb up waterfalls they

transform into dragons. The dragon itself is exemplified by the diagonal rock

seeming to rise up out of the water at the base of the falls.

PLANNING

Tranquillity Pond (Anmintaku, also known as Ushitaku and Bôuntaku) is a small pool surrounded by trees.

Because it never dried up, even during droughts, the pond was also used as a spot at which to pray for rain.

In the centre is a small island with a five-element stupa known as the White Snake Mound.

In the front garden of the Abbot's Quarters is a kochô wabisuke tree planted by Emperor Gomizunoo. This is the oldest living example of a kochô wabisuke tree, which is a variety of camella.

TSUBO NIWA GARDEN

These small gardens were originally found in the interior courtyards of Heian Period and palaces, and were designed to give a glimpse of nature and some privacy to the residents of the rear side of the building. They were as small as one tsubo, or about 3.3 square meters. During the Edo Period, merchants began building small gardens in the space behind their shops, which faced the street, and their residences, located at the rear. These tiny gardens were meant to be seen, not entered, and usually had a stone lantern, a water basin, stepping stones and a few plants. Today, tsubo-niwa are found in many Japanese residences, hotels, restaurants, and public buildings.

INTRODUCTION

These intimate spaces are created to provide a serene entrance to a home and are based on the principles of Japanese tea gardens. Carefully selected shaped trees and shrubs usually form the basis of these tiny gardens and often the plantings are usually shade loving since they are surrounded by buildings. Tsubo-niwa are not only for courtyards, but for any small space such as a rooftop garden, narrow space between buildings or a pathway. The concept translates particularly well to urban spaces.Tsubo niwa do not need to be made of bamboo and stone lanterns.They are entirely enclosed by rooms or garden walls.

REFERENCEShttp://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2099_types.html

http://web-japan.org/factsheet/en/pdf/26Gardens.pdf

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2099_elements.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2099_list.html

http://www.japanorbit.com/japanese-culture/japanese-garden.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_garden

http://digitaljournal.com/article/353493

http://www.zen-garden.org/html/page_Overview.htm

http://jh2403a.wordpress.com/2010/01/31/japanese-influences-on-modern-art/

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