In recent years, the aesthetics of japanese gardens has inspired garden design around the world. For this reason, we found it interesting to explore what it is about them that makes them so striking and what their history is.
Read on to discover more about a way of decorating outdoor spaces that goes far beyond mere landscaping.
Japanese gardens and their connection with religion and philosophy
Within Japanese culture, gardens are closely linked to the cult of nature and Shintoism. A religion in which nature is the means of approaching the kamis, entities that in Western culture we would equate with gods.
The Japanese garden is a way of being in direct contact with nature and, therefore, It is a way of approaching the kamis.
The first mention of these beautiful spaces is found in the work Nihon Shoki, dated 720 AD. It does not describe a garden as such, but it does refer to its existence. Something that archaeologists have been able to confirm.
It is believed that the origin of Japanese gardens dates back to the Asuka period, between the 6th and 8th centuries AD, when Japan began to import Buddhist culture and religion from both China and Korea.
At that time, Buddhist and Taoist monks played a key role in introducing gardening and landscaping techniques. Adapting the principles of Chinese landscaping to Japanese aesthetics and Buddhist philosophy.
Over time, Japanese gardens became common in Buddhist temples and monasteries, where they were used as places for meditation, contemplation and spiritual reflection.
Over the centuries, the gardens evolved and varied in style. Giving rise to the kare-sansui gardens or dry style gardens; chisen-kaiyu gardens or pond-style gardens; and the red or tea garden style gardens. Each of these styles is identified with different aspects of Japanese aesthetics and Buddhist and Taoist philosophies.
In addition, the gardens were also influenced by the beliefs and practices of Shintoism and Zen, which sought to emphasize the spiritual connection of human beings with nature, and They promoted the search for enlightenment through contemplation. Contemplation that could be carried out in a simple, minimalist garden full of symbolism, such as the Zen garden.
Aesthetic principles of Japanese gardens
Although they have changed and evolved over time, there are a series of aesthetic principles that both Zen aesthetic gardens (of Buddhist origin) and Shinto gardens share.
Miniaturization
Gardens are a miniature and idealized representation of nature. So, The rocks represent the mountains and the ponds represent the seas.
By placing the largest elements in the foreground and the smallest ones in the back, It is possible to create the optical effect that the garden is a large forest, even if the space is small.
Concealment
The Japanese garden is a space that has to be explored to be discovered. It cannot be appreciated in all its splendor from the outside, because it is half hidden by trees, walls or other structures.
The objective is that the visitor has to walk through it and discover little by little the natural space that surrounds him, awakening all his senses.
Wabi-sabi
This concept It focuses on the appreciation of the imperfect, the ephemeral and the modest. For this reason, Japanese gardens usually include elements that reflect the beauty of imperfection and impermanence, such as materials aged by the passage of time or eroded rocks.
Yin Yang
The idea of balance and harmony between opposites is one of the bases for garden design of this type. What is sought is to create harmony between hard and soft elements, open and closed spaces, natural and artificial forms.
Ma
This principle is based on a conscious use of space and emptiness to create a feeling of serenity and stillness. Giving value to what is present, but also to what remains absent.
Asymmetry and dynamic symmetry
Although these gardens follow an asymmetric design that reflects the imperfection of the world, we also appreciate in them the search for visual balance through dynamic symmetry. This It means that the elements are balanced in a non-uniform way, creating a visual effect that is harmonious.
Minimalism
In Japanese gardens there is no space for anything that is not really needed. Simplicity and the absence of unnecessary decorations are valued. Hence, each element present has been carefully selected, in order to transmit a message of tranquility and avoid visual overload.
Evolution of Japanese gardens throughout history
The different cultural, philosophical and religious movements that have occurred in Japan throughout history have had an influence on the design of its gardens. Broadly speaking, this is the evolution they have followed:
- Asuka and Nara periods. Characterized by the presence of water, with lakes and islands that dominate the landscape.
- Heian period. Gardens larger than the previous ones, designed to be explored by boat. Unfortunately, there are hardly any remains of these gardens.
- Kamakura and Muromachi period. They were designed as gardens for the contemplation of monks, with a combination between dry landscape and water.
- Momoyama period. They are gardens that gave great prominence to water and that were designed to be observed by feudal lords from the top of their castle or residence.
- Edo period. They were gardens intended for walking, with a dry environment and Zen-style rocks.
- Meiji period. This era stands out because many gardens that had been abandoned were transformed into public parks.
- Modern Japanese gardens. After the Second World War, the gardens became an extension of the buildings, including materials such as concrete.
Japanese gardens have evolved and changed, but they still have a prominent place in the minds of gardening lovers. Even today, they continue to be spaces with great spiritual meaning.