After reading this article you will learn about the history of Japanese gardens.
These gardens have passed through different developmental phases under the influence of religion, culture and likings of rulers of different era. Simple temple gardens of ancient period gradually paved the way for the development of artistic gardens of their unique style.
Main historical periods can be summarised as follows:
Asuka Period (538-794 A.D.):
During this period Nara was the capital of Japan and Buddhism had started flourishing after its introduction in first century. Gigantic Buddhist temples were constructed. Amongthem Todaiji was the famous temple in which big statue of Lord Buddha is kept. In front of this garden, there is a big ground, planted with trees. There is a deer park also.
Other important temples at Nara are Kofukiji and Biodo inn at Uji. The influence of Chinese culture was prominent. Artificial hills or rockeries were constructed which were 100 feet high with running water as ornament which was brought from several miles to this place. More high artificial hills measuring about 200 feet were also made. The stones were selected for interesting shapes and kept near running water.
Heian Period (794-1185 A.D.):
The capital of Japan was shifted from Nara to Kyota. The gardens made during this period were highly decorative. Big shrines were made having large lakes, bridges, stepping stones. Round stepping stones in Lake of Heianji temple is very famous for its style.
Kamakura Period (1186-1399 A.D.):
During this period stone, hills and lakes were essential feature. A lot of importance was attached to the selection of stones with religious and moral attributes. Various names were given to different islands like ‘Hill island’, ‘Wood island’, ‘Cloud island’, ‘Misty island’, ‘Dry beach island’, etc.
Another form of natural gardening developed during this period was dry landscape (Karesansui) based on symbolism. The most important example of such garden is Ryoanji Temple of Kyoto. True in its sense, gardens are devoid of traditional lake but raked sand and stones have been used for creating effect of the ocean.
On the flat and rectangular plot fifteen stones of varying sizes have been placed in five separate groups of five, two, three, two and three. Design of lakes or rivers have represented through hollowed out beds and sand, pebbles and boulders. Inlet and outlet have carefully been shown. Artificial hillocks are called like ‘Ocean Rock’, ‘Large River Rock’, ‘Offing Rock’, ‘Mountain Torrent Stone’, etc.
Ashikaga Period (1400-1600 A.D.):
Yoshimitsu Ashikaga (1348-1408 A.D), the third Ashikaga Shogun, got the construction done of very important garden along with three storeyed golden pavilions called ‘Kinkakuji’ in the year 1397 at Kyoto. The three storey gold leaf covered Gold Pavilion is a breathtaking sight to see in any season.
The first two storeys are based on traditional Japanese court architect. The top storey shows an influence of Chinese Zen School. There is a pond around it and the pavilion is reflected elegantly in the water. In spring, there is fresh green foliage of trees and during early summer pond is studded with lotus blossoms.
Another important garden of this era is Silver pavilion (Gin Kaku Ji) which was built 80 years later by Yoshimasa Ashikaga (1435-90 AD.) the eighth Ashikaga Shogun. Silver pavilion is not true to its name and is rustic naturally coloured.
Edo Period (1615-1867 A.D.):
During the Edo period, the making of small gardens dominated. The garden could be enjoyed from inside of a house. These gardens were similar to tea gardens. Important garden of unique scenic beauty was built at Kyoto which is known as Katsura Imperial Villa. It was built in 1642 AD. by Kobori Enshu—a master of tea ceremony.
The Shogun Hide Yoshi was the ruler who provided patronage to this villa. It was contracted for merry making, playing games, drinking tea or sake, singing, dancing or reciting poetry, religious, social and political discourse by the members of imperial family and to enjoy in refreshing and inspirational natural setting. Therefore, the efforts have been done to create strong harmony between buildings, nature and man.
The important features of this garden are its different buildings which have been built in the Japanese style. There are different islands on which different buildings like Shokin-tei tea house, Enrindo, old Shoin, Middle Shoin, musical instrumental room, etc., are situated. These islands are connected with stone bridges and curvaceous paths. Strolling through trees, stone bridges, over islands and curvaceous paths, provides enjoyment of natural setting. There is a unique manicure garden too.
A six-year project was initiated in 1976 to renovate the major buildings of the villa which were taken apart, repaired and reassembled. This restoration has given a new looked to the buildings which blend more harmoniously with the surroundings now.
Meiji Era (1876-1912 A.D.):
The capital of Japan was shifted from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1867 after the defeat of Shogun Yoshinobu in the hands of Emperor Meiji. There was a great industrial revolution during this period. Despite the influence of West on industrial sector, it could not influence the style of gardening. With the change in style or architecture, multi storey buildings have come in existence in big towns.
This gave rise to the making of gardens in limited space around skyscrapers, mansions, roof tops, windows, etc. The techniques of growing flower have been changed and controlled conditions for growing of flowers have been introduced. With the change in political system and living conditions, tot lots, city parks, regional parks and national parks have been developed.