Stones would be placed at the corner points, most often grouped in odd numbers (three, five, seven, etc.). Traditionally, space was to be organized according to one or more scalene triangles (triangles consisting of unequal sides). In most cases, the widest point should be at ground level, not above it. At least one third of each stone, and sometimes as much as two thirds, should be below ground. In addition, they should be buried deeply in the ground and oriented as they occurred in nature. They should appear stable and as if set by natural forces. To achieve an impression of naturalness, it was considered best to be consistent, using the same rock type for the garden’s largest stones.īoth ancient and newer texts discuss in detail how stones are to be placed. Large stones were especially valued for the power and vitality they would bring to the garden, and were chosen carefully according to size, shape, color, grain and weathering. The 15th-century book, Illustrations for Designing Mountain, Water, and Hillside Field Landscapes, lists 48 types of stone, all with evocative names – for example, “Hovering Mist Rock.” A much simpler classification includes just five types, generally given names such as tall vertical, low vertical, inclining (diagonal), reclining, and horizontal. Various systems of classification have been developed. Stone-setting artisans pay close attention to how each stone relates to the site and the other stones placed there as well as to the stone’s own characteristics. The delicate patterns of moss and lichen and the beauty of weathering develop only over many years.Ĭareful stone selection is essential to bringing harmony and balance to the garden. Yet stones contribute much more than structure and a sense of stability or permanence they are also dynamic elements, bringing power and energy to the garden. Masters of the art believed that the placement of stones established a garden’s essential skeleton. In the 11th-century Sakuteiki, the oldest Japanese gardening manual to survive, garden making is called the art of setting stones ( ishi wo taten koto). This unlike Western gardens, which tend to elevate plants above all else. Similarly, visitors to the Seattle Japanese Garden experience the dynamic relationships among all its elements, including stone. Shinto, Japan’s earliest religion, saw gods ( kami) in all of nature – residing in stones as well as plants and animals. With the most notable gardens in Kyoto.Stone is essential to Japanese gardens – according to many authorities, more important than any other garden element. Although originally attached to Zen temples and temple complexes these gardens can be found in many places. If you would like to take a moment to enjoy Japanese gardens, there are some open to the public that locals and tourists can visit. In Japan you may find smaller Zen rock gardens where homeowners can appreciate quiet moments in their home. As the garden ages over time, rocks will take on more of a weathered appearance which adds to the beauty of the landscape. Using odd-numbered groupings of varying height and sizes at random is key to mastering this unique Japanese style. Rocks and other elements are usually arranged asymmetrical to create a spontaneous look that mirrors nature. While smoother rocks are used as stepping stones around dry water. Often rough and worn rocks are preferred to symbolize a mountain landscape. Vertical rocks represent mountains and horizontal rocks symbolize islands or earth. In order to avoid bad luck, understanding the placement of all the elements is important.
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