Kenrokuen Garden is located in the outer grounds of the Kanazawa Castle in Japan.Its name means “Garden of the Six Sublimities” which refers to the six essential attributes in landscape theory that make up the perfect garden: spaciousness, seclusion, antiquity, artificiality, abundant water, and broad views. It was constructed by the Maeda family and took over two centuries to complete. It was opened to the public in 1871.
Japanese gardens are generally one of three types: Tsukiyama which is a miniature reproduction of some natural scenery, many times a famous landscape; Karesansui which also recreate a natural landscape but by using abstract representations, an example would be using raked wavy lines in the sand to represent flowing water. This type of garden is frequently used for meditation and is sometimes referred to as a Zen garden; or Chaniwa which are built for the tea ceremony complete with tea house, a stone path leading to it, and a stone basin for purification before participating in the tea ceremony.
Karesansui garden-Nanzenji, Kyoto
Japanese gardens have had many influences throughout history.
Asuka period (538-710)-expression of Buddhism and Taoism through replication of mountain regions of China
Heian period (794-1185)-gardens became a place for holding ceremonies, amusement, or to gather one’s thoughts, it was during this era that gardens were used to surround mansions.
Kamakura and Muromachi periods (1185-1573)-gardens really took off during this era, both Zen beliefs and the fact that shoguns enjoyed gardens attributed highly to this. Soseki Muso, creator of the Saihoji Temple, the Tenruji Temple, and the Zuizenji Temple gardens was a noted gardener during these periods.
Path to tea house.
Edo period (1603-1868)-the tea house emerged during this period and made its mark on the garden in addition to the influence once again of the shoguns who now used their gardens as a reflection of their power and prestige.
Meiji period-which followed the modernization of Japan has traded its shoguns and holy men for businessmen and politicians who now are the influence of the traditional gardens of Japan.
I first took an interest in this art form as a child while visiting the Japanese Friendship Garden in San Jose, Ca. I thought it was one of the most beautiful places I’d ever seen. The grounds had winding paths, bridges, and of course gorgeous ponds filled with some of the most amazing Koi fish I’d ever seen. It was always a contest between us kids to try to find the biggest fish in the ponds, it was a challenge because most of them were huge thanks to the fish food dispenser that everyone loved putting quarters into to feed the fish. Even as a child I was able to pick up on the serenity and peace that this style of garden evoked in all that strolled its lush green paths. It truly is a wondrous art form, and an especially challenging one due to the ever changing nature of living things.
Japanese Friendship Garden-San Jose, CA
Great Choice. I love gardening myself and find the Japanese Aesthetic particularly elegant. I appreciate the effort you put into this post. Honestly, I feel that a single image is not enough to portray art from an entire culture throughout time. Gardens have played an a role in many cultures from Versailles to Babylonia, but the Japanese persist in their tradition and strong tie to culture. I also appreciate the detail to which you explained some of the history and individual elements. I really had no idea. I always thought about just the juxtaposition of form or idea, like the round stone on a square plot of land. Clearly there is more complexity that what appears to be so simple. Again, great job.