Japanese Garden Design explains the theory, history, and intricacies
of Japanese gardening through gorgeous photographs and expert
commentary.
The creation of a Japanese garden combines respect for nature with
adherence to simple principles of aesthetics and structure. In Japanese
Garden Design landscape architect Marc Peter Keane presents the history
and development of the classical metaphors that underlie all Japanese
gardens in this.
Keane describes the influences of Confucian, Shinto and Buddhist
principles that have linked poetry and philosophy to the tangible
metaphor of the garden in Japanese culture. Creative inspiration is
found in the prehistoric origin of Japanese concepts of nature; the
gardens of Heian aristocrats; the world-renowned Zen garden, or rock
garden; the tea garden; courtyard garden; and stroll garden.
Detailed explanations of basic design concepts identify and interpret
the symbolism of various garden forms and demonstrate these principles
in use today in Japanese landscape architecture.
Topics include:
- Design Principles
- Design Techniques
- Design Elements
- Godspirit in Nature
- Poetry in Paradise
- The Art of Emptiness
- Spiritual Passage
- Private Niches
- A Collector's Park