コメント
An Introduction to Japanese Stone Gardens
Explore the Zen roots and symbolism of these serene landscapes, and pick up some tips on how to design your own
舩村佳織
2017年10月23日
造園会社にて個人邸外構・庭の設計施工を行うプランナーとして勤務後、ニュージーランドにて現地の植物ナーセリー勤務及び園芸関係のボランティアを1年間経験。現在は静岡県富士市を中心に自然素材を使った庭づくりを行っています。
二児の子育て中でもあり、家族みんなが楽しめる庭造りが得意です。設計者として、主婦としての目線から、暮らしやすさに寄り添います。
造園会社にて個人邸外構・庭の設計施工を行うプランナーとして勤務後、ニュージーランドにて現地の植物ナーセリー勤務及び園芸関係のボランティアを1年間経験。現在は静岡県富士市を中心に自然素材を使った庭づくりを行っています... もっと見る
Characterized by rock formations that mimic water and other natural features, karesansui (dry landscape) is the epitome of a Japanese garden. These stone gardens, also known as Zen gardens outside Japan, have a rich history dating back to the 12th century. However, today’s stone gardens aren’t just static copies of traditional landscape architecture, but rather a constantly evolving expression of Zen thought, found everywhere from ancient temple grounds to modern yards. Learn more about the origins of these tranquil, thought-provoking gardens and get inspired to build your own.
Origins of Stone Gardens
The oldest known description of stone gardens is found in the Sakuteiki, or Records of Garden Making, written in the late Heian period (11th century). It reads, “A garden of arranged stones that has neither a pond nor a stream shall be called a dry landscape garden, one that expresses a water-filled natural landscape without the actual presence of water.”
We don’t know exactly what this kind of garden looked like, since the ones from the period no longer exist. However, later Japanese gardening practices were heavily influenced by Zen philosophy, which was not yet widespread in Japan when the Sakuteiki was written. So the gardens it describes may have been somewhat different from their later incarnations. Still, it’s clear that the key feature of a stone garden — evoking water in a dry landscape — existed. Two factors influenced their evolution into their modern forms.
The oldest known description of stone gardens is found in the Sakuteiki, or Records of Garden Making, written in the late Heian period (11th century). It reads, “A garden of arranged stones that has neither a pond nor a stream shall be called a dry landscape garden, one that expresses a water-filled natural landscape without the actual presence of water.”
We don’t know exactly what this kind of garden looked like, since the ones from the period no longer exist. However, later Japanese gardening practices were heavily influenced by Zen philosophy, which was not yet widespread in Japan when the Sakuteiki was written. So the gardens it describes may have been somewhat different from their later incarnations. Still, it’s clear that the key feature of a stone garden — evoking water in a dry landscape — existed. Two factors influenced their evolution into their modern forms.
1. Zen teachings. The first factor was the spread of Zen thought throughout Japan. This school of Buddhism came from China and flourished in Japan from the Kamakura period to the Edo period (late 12th century to early 16th century).
The first full-fledged stone garden was created in Kyoto’s Saihoji Zen temple by Muso Soseki (1275-1351), whose work holds an important place in the history of Japanese gardening. The gardener-monk was summoned to reconstruct the nearly forsaken Saihoji — formerly dedicated to another school of Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism — as a Zen temple. The reconstruction entailed numerous changes, including modifications to the garden. He decided to create a stone garden as a place for monks to practice Zen. Rocks hold a special place in Zen thought as expressions of the force of nature, and one practice involves the contemplation of rocks as a way of becoming aware of that which is invisible.
2. Art forms. The second factor that led to the development of the modern-day stone garden was the influence of the bonkei and sansuiga art forms. Bonkei (tray scenery) is the practice of arranging sand, stones and miniature plants on a tray to create a miniature replica of natural scenery. (It is from bonkei that the famous Japanese bonsai tradition evolved.) Such trays were displayed at celebrations as decoration for the interior of a house. Sansuiga is a style of landscape painting that was popular among Zen priests. Both art forms influenced the aesthetics and composition of stone gardens.
The first full-fledged stone garden was created in Kyoto’s Saihoji Zen temple by Muso Soseki (1275-1351), whose work holds an important place in the history of Japanese gardening. The gardener-monk was summoned to reconstruct the nearly forsaken Saihoji — formerly dedicated to another school of Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism — as a Zen temple. The reconstruction entailed numerous changes, including modifications to the garden. He decided to create a stone garden as a place for monks to practice Zen. Rocks hold a special place in Zen thought as expressions of the force of nature, and one practice involves the contemplation of rocks as a way of becoming aware of that which is invisible.
2. Art forms. The second factor that led to the development of the modern-day stone garden was the influence of the bonkei and sansuiga art forms. Bonkei (tray scenery) is the practice of arranging sand, stones and miniature plants on a tray to create a miniature replica of natural scenery. (It is from bonkei that the famous Japanese bonsai tradition evolved.) Such trays were displayed at celebrations as decoration for the interior of a house. Sansuiga is a style of landscape painting that was popular among Zen priests. Both art forms influenced the aesthetics and composition of stone gardens.
Further Evolution
These two factors led to the development of the current type of stone garden. This new form also fit well with the advent of the wabi-sabi aesthetic, or the appreciation of that which is imperfect or incomplete. Stone gardens, therefore, began to be adopted beyond Zen temples as even samurai and merchants began creating their own. However, in the middle of the Edo period (1603–1867), naturalistic gardens that favored living plants stole the spotlight for a time.
Stone gardens experienced a resurgence in the Showa period (20th century), when gardener- historian Mirei Shigemori (1896-1975) created over 200 timeless examples. Despite holding to the traditional rules of stone arrangement, his gardens weren’t blind imitations of the old ways. Instead, he combined his own innovations and modern aesthetics with traditional forms.
These two factors led to the development of the current type of stone garden. This new form also fit well with the advent of the wabi-sabi aesthetic, or the appreciation of that which is imperfect or incomplete. Stone gardens, therefore, began to be adopted beyond Zen temples as even samurai and merchants began creating their own. However, in the middle of the Edo period (1603–1867), naturalistic gardens that favored living plants stole the spotlight for a time.
Stone gardens experienced a resurgence in the Showa period (20th century), when gardener- historian Mirei Shigemori (1896-1975) created over 200 timeless examples. Despite holding to the traditional rules of stone arrangement, his gardens weren’t blind imitations of the old ways. Instead, he combined his own innovations and modern aesthetics with traditional forms.
Symbolism
Stone gardens are rich in symbolism, many reflecting Zen and ancient Chinese philosophies. It’s necessary to understand this layer of meaning to fully appreciate these gardens as more than just a collection of rocks.
For example, many gardens include the horai-jima, a representation of the unreachable island of immortals of Chinese legend — the tall stone in this photo. Smaller tsuru-jima (crane islands) and kame-jima (turtle islands), which symbolize longevity, are often built in its immediate proximity (not pictured).
Small stones that represent treasure ships, themselves symbolic of luck and prosperity, are usually arranged to point with one of their ends toward the island of immortals, and are often seen in such gardens as well. They are either heading for the island to claim its treasures or heading home with their spoils. Their load is indicated by their height above the sand waves.
Ryumon-baku, named for the legendary Ryumon (Dragon Gate) waterfall on China’s Yellow River, is a known Zen symbol. According to the legend, any carp that managed to climb the waterfall would immediately turn into a dragon and soar into the sky. This is also the origin of the iconic Japanese koinobori (carp streamers). Zen teachings use this story to explain the attitude a practitioner needs to have to achieve enlightenment.
In the next photo, the sand represents the Yellow River, the ripples represent the waterfall, and the rock that juts out represents the carp. This symbolism is incorporated in the Saihoji garden as well; there, the rocks serve as a place for seated Zen meditation.
Stone gardens are rich in symbolism, many reflecting Zen and ancient Chinese philosophies. It’s necessary to understand this layer of meaning to fully appreciate these gardens as more than just a collection of rocks.
For example, many gardens include the horai-jima, a representation of the unreachable island of immortals of Chinese legend — the tall stone in this photo. Smaller tsuru-jima (crane islands) and kame-jima (turtle islands), which symbolize longevity, are often built in its immediate proximity (not pictured).
Small stones that represent treasure ships, themselves symbolic of luck and prosperity, are usually arranged to point with one of their ends toward the island of immortals, and are often seen in such gardens as well. They are either heading for the island to claim its treasures or heading home with their spoils. Their load is indicated by their height above the sand waves.
Ryumon-baku, named for the legendary Ryumon (Dragon Gate) waterfall on China’s Yellow River, is a known Zen symbol. According to the legend, any carp that managed to climb the waterfall would immediately turn into a dragon and soar into the sky. This is also the origin of the iconic Japanese koinobori (carp streamers). Zen teachings use this story to explain the attitude a practitioner needs to have to achieve enlightenment.
In the next photo, the sand represents the Yellow River, the ripples represent the waterfall, and the rock that juts out represents the carp. This symbolism is incorporated in the Saihoji garden as well; there, the rocks serve as a place for seated Zen meditation.
Water Patterns
A rippling pattern in the sand that represents waves is called samon. This stems from the tradition during the Heian era (794–1192) of covering sacred spaces with white sand. Under the influence of bonkei, this sand came to be arranged in the form of waves to symbolize water.
Various patterns of ripples are used to symbolize river or ocean waters. Even in the same ocean you may encounter both big waves and mere ripples on the water’s surface. Although the large stones are usually more eye-catching, you can entertain yourself by contemplating the sand patterns and trying to guess what kind of waters they represent.
The patterns are usually drawn by a local priest using a rake or a broom. It is said that Muso Soseki wouldn’t leave even a speck of dust in his own garden. He believed that the habit of sweeping a garden serves to cleanse the mind of worldly thoughts. Likewise, drawing ripples in the sand is useful for calming and purifying the mind.
A rippling pattern in the sand that represents waves is called samon. This stems from the tradition during the Heian era (794–1192) of covering sacred spaces with white sand. Under the influence of bonkei, this sand came to be arranged in the form of waves to symbolize water.
Various patterns of ripples are used to symbolize river or ocean waters. Even in the same ocean you may encounter both big waves and mere ripples on the water’s surface. Although the large stones are usually more eye-catching, you can entertain yourself by contemplating the sand patterns and trying to guess what kind of waters they represent.
The patterns are usually drawn by a local priest using a rake or a broom. It is said that Muso Soseki wouldn’t leave even a speck of dust in his own garden. He believed that the habit of sweeping a garden serves to cleanse the mind of worldly thoughts. Likewise, drawing ripples in the sand is useful for calming and purifying the mind.
Stone Gardens and Modern Households
Stone gardens have experienced a boom in popularity outside Japan. They are less popular within the country, though in recent years, even the younger generations are turning their attention back toward Japanese traditional culture.
As long as you don’t think too big, making a stone garden isn’t an impossible task. Why not create a pleasant place where you can take a moment to rest from your busy life and calm your soul? Don’t worry about breaking any rules: These gardens are meant to change with the flow of time and don’t have to be copies of historic gardens. Their cultural legacy is in creating something that touches a contemporary viewer’s soul, rather than just blindly imitating the past.
Stone gardens have experienced a boom in popularity outside Japan. They are less popular within the country, though in recent years, even the younger generations are turning their attention back toward Japanese traditional culture.
As long as you don’t think too big, making a stone garden isn’t an impossible task. Why not create a pleasant place where you can take a moment to rest from your busy life and calm your soul? Don’t worry about breaking any rules: These gardens are meant to change with the flow of time and don’t have to be copies of historic gardens. Their cultural legacy is in creating something that touches a contemporary viewer’s soul, rather than just blindly imitating the past.
Although this garden boasts no grand stonework, it incorporates sand ripples, which are a major part of stone garden culture. The pattern is expressed by tiles laid in the sand and is easy to maintain because it doesn’t need to be drawn manually.
Instead of stones, a slight slope adds volume to the garden and expresses a view of nature. Planting trees in a pattern that reflects how they might grow in a forest makes the garden look perfectly natural.
Instead of stones, a slight slope adds volume to the garden and expresses a view of nature. Planting trees in a pattern that reflects how they might grow in a forest makes the garden look perfectly natural.
It’s possible to create grand-looking scenery even in a confined space by using only small lanterns and stones. Features where stones represent ponds are called kareike (dry ponds). One of their advantages is that they’re easier to create and maintain than ponds with real water.
Adding waterside plants, such as sweet flag, makes the illusion even more convincing.
Adding waterside plants, such as sweet flag, makes the illusion even more convincing.
Free of ostentation, stone gardens beam with an irresistible charm. Gardens that have been used for centuries for practicing Zen may be just what we need today to remind us to take a moment from our busy lives to reflect on ourselves.
More
A Beginner’s Guide to the Japanese Tea Garden
Get the Look: Japanese-Inspired Garden Style
Browse Asian garden statues and lanterns
More
A Beginner’s Guide to the Japanese Tea Garden
Get the Look: Japanese-Inspired Garden Style
Browse Asian garden statues and lanterns
おすすめの記事
エコ・サステナブル
世界の専門家が注目する、サステナブルな住まいづくりのかたちとは?
今後期待されるサステナブル=持続可能なソリューションとは?Houzzで活躍する世界の専門家に伺いました。
続きを読む
家づくりのヒント
建築家と家づくりをするメリットとは?
文/志田茂
「値段が高そう」「敷居が高い」……。建築家との家づくりは大変そうだと思っている人もいると思います。でも、唯一無二の理想の住まいを実現したいなら、建築家との家づくりはおすすめです。
続きを読む
小さな住まい
コンパクトリビングの賢いスペース活用法
コンパクトな空間は、ひとつひとつの要素が持つ「意味」が大切。スペースを最大限に生かしながら、快適に過ごせるテクニックと実例をご紹介しましょう。
続きを読む
キッチンの記事
プロに聞く、オーダーキッチンを作りたいなら知っておきたいこと
デザインと使い勝手がカスタマイズされたオンリーワンのオーダーキッチン。取り入れたいなら知っておくべきことを専門家に聞きました。
続きを読む
ライフスタイル
知っておきたい器づかいのコツ:料理をおいしく見せる器の色
文/進藤由美子
料理をおいしそうに見せる器って、どんな器でしょう? 家での食事をおいしく、楽しくする器の揃え方、使い方のコツを2回に分けてご紹介します。前編は、器の色について。
続きを読む
キッチンの記事
家事をストレスフリーに! キッチンカウンター下収納の使い方と収納アイデア
オープンタイプのキッチンが人気の今、キッチンカウンター下収納はその後の使いやすさを左右する重要な検討事項です。種類別カウンター下収納の特徴を参考に、家族が使いたくなるキッチンまわりをつくりましょう。
続きを読む
家づくりのヒント
心地よい住まいを実現するために、自分に問うべき質問とは?
インテリアのプロたちが依頼主に、最初に投げかける質問があります。それに対する自分の答えと向き合うことで、自分と住まいとの関係をよりよく変えていきましょう。
続きを読む
和室の記事
やさしい光を採り入れる「障子」の魅力
日本が誇る自然素材の美しきミニマルデザイン、障子は、私たちが考えている以上に幅広い応用力のある室内建具。この伝統の機能美を、改めて見直してみたいものです。
続きを読む
地域別特集
美しい伝統を守りながら、現代的技術で暮らしを快適に。京都に建つ14の住まい
文/藤間紗花
Houzzでみつけた、京都市内に建つ住まいの事例を、手がけた専門家の解説とともにご紹介します。
続きを読む