Garden

The history of Japanese garden

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Japanese gardens, with their intertwined beauty of form and the seasons, captivate not only the Japanese but people all around the world. The history of Japanese gardens is closely tied to Japan’s cultural and social history, reflecting the unique aesthetics and changes over time. From the ancient Asuka period to the early modern Edo period, Japanese gardens have evolved in various styles, reflecting the culture, religion, and social conditions of each era. This article looks back on the history of Japanese gardens from the Asuka period to the Edo period, introducing their characteristics and representative gardens.

Asuka Period: Garden Culture Flourished with Buddhism

Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan during the Asuka period, made a significant contribution to the birth of garden culture. The gardens of this era, established around temples, expressed religious ideals by mimicking natural landscapes. Representative gardens from this period include Asuka-dera and Yakushi-ji. These gardens hold an important place as the initial forms of Japanese gardens.

Nara Period: Green Paradises of Courts and Temples

During the Nara period, gardens evolved as part of the court culture. Gardens of this era featured pond-and-stream-style designs, incorporating water and reflecting the luxurious styles of courts and temples. The gardens of Heijo Palace and Todai-ji are representative examples of this period. These gardens, along with religious symbols, reflected the elegant lifestyles of the aristocracy at the time.

Heian Period: The Exquisite Garden Beauty of the Aristocracy

The gardens of the Heian period, often found at aristocratic residences and villas, were characterized by a poetic view of nature, closely linked with literature and painting. The garden of Byodo-in’s Phoenix Hall and the gardens of Kiyomizu-dera are outstanding examples that convey the garden aesthetics of this era. These gardens skillfully incorporate harmony with nature and the changing seasons.

Kamakura Period: Garden Styles in the Era of the Samurai

During the Kamakura period, samurai rose to prominence, and for the first time, they held political power. This influenced not only politics but also Japanese culture as a whole with the samurai’s values. Gardens were no exception, and their styles evolved accordingly. While the Heian period preferred lavish decorations symbolizing the aristocracy’s opulence, samurai favored simplicity and solidity. This period also marked the beginning of Zen Buddhism’s spread throughout Japan, influencing gardens to pursue a more austere and Zen-like beauty under the influence of samurai and Zen Buddhism. The gardens of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu and Kencho-ji are good examples of Zen-influenced gardens from this era, expressing the beauty of nature in a simple form.

Muromachi Period: Zen Aesthetics and Karesansui

In the Muromachi period, the influence of Zen Buddhism led to the development of karesansui (dry landscape) gardens. These gardens use rocks and sand to represent landscapes, aiming to evoke a deep spirituality in the viewer. The rock garden of Ryoan-ji and the garden of Tenryu-ji are representative karesansui gardens of this era. These gardens are known as particularly esteemed examples within Japanese gardens, receiving high acclaim.

Azuchi-Momoyama Period: The Era of Splendid Gardens

During the Azuchi-Momoyama period, gardens transformed into extravagant styles alongside societal changes. The gardens of this era, symbolizing the power and wealth of daimyo (feudal lords) and wealthy merchants, featured grand scales and elaborate landscaping techniques. Nishi Hongan-ji and the Ninomaru Garden of Nagoya Castle are representative gardens from this period. Known for bold rock arrangements, vast ponds, and vibrant plantings, these gardens convey the splendid culture of the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the present day.

Edo Period: Fusion of Popular Culture and Gardens

In the Edo period, amidst a peaceful social background and the development of popular culture, gardens became even more diverse. Gardens of this era began to serve as public spaces that could be enjoyed by the general populace. Kenrokuen and the Hamarikyu Onshi Gardens are representative gardens of the Edo period. Kenrokuen is considered a masterpiece of Japanese gardens, gathering the essence of natural scenic beauty and garden craftsmanship, while the Hamarikyu Onshi Gardens possess a unique beauty that harmonizes with the urban landscape of Edo.

Summary

How was it? In this article, we introduced the history of Japanese gardens. The history of Japanese gardens reflects not just the evolution of landscaping techniques, but also the Japanese aesthetic sense, religious views, and changes in social conditions. The gardens of each era vividly reflect the culture and values of their time, serving as an important window into understanding Japan’s history and culture deeply. These gardens, still beloved by many today, offer visitors experiences of tranquility and beauty. Through the history of Japanese gardens, one can appreciate the Japanese people’s deep respect for harmony with nature and their delicate sensibility towards the changing seasons. If you’re interested, I encourage you to visit a Japanese garden and experience it for yourself!