Japanese Gardens are visual & spatial compositions of nature inspired by Japanese Landscape Art. This art form from Japan is said to have been inspired by the sacred landscape art from China and India. However, the elements borrowed from each have been adapted to their own needs and ideas such that the concept evolved into a value that fundamentally became Japanese.
A harmoniously composed scenic point in a Japanese Garden invoking enchantment
The Japanese originally had a landscaping style of their own called Shindai Shiki or 'Imperial Hall' style which showed an impulse towards an artistic form of gardening combined with a love of Nature, which already existed.
The Japanese, since time immemorial, endowed spiritual values for common elements. This includes things such as pebbles and tools. Everyday activities such as rest are also intended for a spiritual purpose. These have their place and functions prescribed within everyday life. This is one of the major influences of Buddhism on the Japanese culture and its refinement, which has taken root within the collective: people, etiquettes and in the general approach to life.
'Gardens, too, were holy, and there were rules to be observed in their management, lest offence be given to the gods of trees and flowers... The trees were haunted and holy; even the rocks were endowed with conscious life'
Japanese landscape gardens are representations of the nearby country sceneries as reduced scales. The primary aim of these gardens is to perceive aesthetic sentiments that invoke tranquillity, awe, simplicities and exhilaration towards open nature. So, they are conceptually designed open spaces in nature for rest and relaxation.
A shaded hill landscape
The natural elements included in the design are idealised representations of the Japanese Ecological Landscape. It harnessed the cultural and spiritual features of natural resources such as water and sunlight as aesthetic features. This provided a Japanese themed associative experience to the visitor. This art has been influenced in many gardens around the world especially in the regions of Europe & North America.
The landscape design features at the micro-level. This allows a captivating experience at every few metres.
Some Design Guiding Principles include:
1. Balancing Proportions: This includes three grades of finish of the Natural Elements - rough, intermediate and highly wrought.
2. Harmonization of Structural Elements: This creates an assured sense of unity and harmony of purpose in all spaces within the garden.
3. Exposure: Considering superstitions and climate preference (such as: warm sun, cool breeze), the Japanese gardens were oriented towards the South and East. The East being the most preferred.
Coolness is an integral desideratum. Shady, floral avenues provide respite and add to the slow-paced experience of the garden.
Some of the Natural Elements integrated into design include:
1 Water - This represents lakes, rivers, oceans and swamps.
2 Rock Work - Large boulders or rocks represented the islands and mountains of Japan. This accompanied the Water Body.
3 Waterfalls
4 Hills - Representation of Mt Fuji was considered most desirable.
The small island feature basks in the afternoon sunlight. It is composed of grass, shrub varieties and dwarf plants. It is connected to the 'mainland' via a linear, wooden bridge.
Integrated Elements for Transition:
1 Paths - These wander through the site and lead to views. These are mainly made from earth, rocks and wood. These are arranged as stepping stones. This technique paces down the visitor so they can absorb the sight.
2 Vantage Points - Japanese Gardens had an emphasis on creating planned views that revealed the garden as one moved along through the site. Dense vegetation, walls and curvy paths were used to reveal specific views
3 Bridges - These were used to create crossings. These were also used as points to create views from. Rounder Bridges illusioned a full circle with the water.
4 Walls - These served many functions. They enclose spaces so that it could be private, sheltered and peaceful. But they do not shut out the surrounds completely. Walls were often made of adobe creating a natural feel and immersing it within the landscape.
A miniature pagoda-like structure carved of stone lies in the foreground of this composition. The background includes a curvilinear bridge and is framed by a variety of trees.
Distance Lowering & Raising Framing Styles: The composition of small and large natural elements in the foreground and background. This produces scenic compositions at every juncture of the transition experience.
The Wooden Tea House
The Ashikaga era brought in the influences of Tea Ceremony known as chadō or sadō, “The Way of Tea”, in the Japanese Gardens thereby becoming a common feature. They are often situated in the secluded parts of the garden. These are elevated off the ground to prevent wood rot in the moist Japanese climate. Screen doors are used that open up the room to the garden. It is designed such that the inside and outside merge in harmony
The tea house itself follows simple and naturalistic design principles—traditional wood sliding doors, tatami floor mats, and rice paper panels - to keep one fully present during the tea ceremony
Ornaments such as Stone lanterns (located centrally) are common in Japanese Gardens.
The design of the gardens is inspired by Art, Poetry, Folklore, Science including Horticulture, Architecture and Buddhism. Each element contributes to a wider cultural narrative context, which makes these gardens symbolic to nuances of Japanese Culture and Philosophies. These are reflected as continued traditions followed by the people.
Some interesting themes weaved into the poetry of the landscape include turning plant life into humans or the endowment of personality on inanimate objects. For instance, the Pine tree symbolizes long life and it is believed that after a thousand years its sap turns to Amber. Similarly, two Fir trees standing side by side typify a husband and wife growing aged together.
A Wide View of the Landscape with Transitional, Scenic Imagery
Some important plants within the gardens include Bamboo, Cherries, Maple, Peach, Pine, Plum, Azalea and Wistaria. The design principles make it convenient to set up a Japanese landscape garden anywhere in the world. These can be utilized as shared concepts for designing urban parks or even the backyard of homes.
Every season brings about a specific change, moulding the landscape to its own charm. The garden boldly embodies the spirit of the season, making it, its own - Sprightly during Spring, green and cool in Summer, flaming in Autumn and pure in Winter.
This Japanese Garden is called Nitobe Memorial Garden and is located in Vancouver, BC
Complementary Literature & Resources:
Osgood, Harriet aka Mrs Basil Taylor, (1912). Japanese Gardens (1st ed.). Methuen & Co Ltd, London.
Du Cane, E. (2011). The Flowers and Gardens of Japan. Routledge: Taylor & Francis Group. London & New York.
*Photos have been sourced through self.