The Art of the Japanese Garden

Japanese gardens are rooted in two traditions: an indigenous prehistoric tradition in which patches of graveled forest or pebbled beach were didacated to nature spirits, and a tradition from China and Korea that included elements such as ponds, streams, waterfalls, rock compositions and a variety of vegetation. This book traces the development and blending of these two traditions as well as the inclusion of new features as gardening reached new heights of sophistication on Japanese soil. It presents a number of the most notable gardens in Japan, including graveled courtyards, early aristocratic gardens, esoteric and paradise gardens, Zen gardens, warrior garadens, tea gardens and stroll gardens. Also included are sections on modern trends and Japanese gardens in other countries.