Japanese Gardening

 Japanese Gardening

During the Buddhist period, India had close relations with China and Japan. At that time, tourists, pilgrims and traders used to visit these countries regularly. These people propagated and spread Indian art and religion in China and Korea. Buddhism reached Japan from Korea during the Ashuka period (552 AD) and similarly, garden art also reached Japan in the sixth century along with the spread of Chinese culture. Buddhist monks and pilgrims established gardens near temples and monasteries and started Japanese garden art. The original origin of Japanese garden is considered to be India. Because Japanese garden art flourished in India and later reached Japan along with the spread of Buddhism. According to religion, the Japanese people initiated many such creations which are not seen anywhere else in the history of the world. For this, first of all, elements called Horiojima and later (Sumisen/Suchumitsen) were used. It is mentioned in Chinese legends related to Taoism that Honaijima meant an island whose shape resembled a tortoise. Immortal creatures like tortoise, crane etc. lived there. On this basis, the Japanese took Horaijima as an auspicious symbol of longevity, because they had such contempt that tortoises and cranes live for 10,000 and 1000 years respectively. On the basis of this belief, the Japanese constructed tortoise-shaped islands and crane-shaped reservoirs. During 1835-90, there was a famous industrialist named Yoshima in Japan, who was a great scholar of Japanese garden art (Dakebana). Due to his efforts, Horaijima became an integral part of every garden in Japan.

Buddhism reached Japan from China via Korea in the sixth century and with this 'Sumisen' was started. Sumisen meant 'Indrapuri'. 'Sumisen' was built in the form of a central hill in the garden. 'Sumisen' of the followers of Buddhism was situated at a height which was visible from a distance. There were eight circles of hills around it, which were separated from each other by water. Sumisen came to the Japanese garden in the form of a group of hills. At present, it has become difficult to differentiate 'Horaijima' and 'Sumisen' in Japanese gardens, because there the hills of 'Sumisen' have also started working as the island of 'Horaijima'.

The number of plants in Japanese gardens has always been less. Since ancient times, the Japanese have emphasized on planting such plants which are of auspicious nature. In ancient Japanese gardens, there were gardens called Sho-Chiku-bai in which ornamental plants like pine (Sho), bamboo (Chiku) and plum (Bai) were planted. These gardens started spreading in Japan from the beginning of the 17th century.

Japanese Landscaping

The Ryon-ji element was included in Japanese gardens due to Chinese influence. In Ryon-ji, groups of stones are decorated and given a special look. The Ryon-ji temple located in a place called Kyato is a rectangular area covered with thick white sand, in which there are groups of 15 stones each. They look as if many small islands exist in the sea. This type of landscape garden is a symbol of the high feelings and artistic thoughts of the creator. Such gardens are usually established in sand, but such a display of stones can also be done in lakes, ponds or other natural elements. To bring these rocks in a group, auspicious numbers were always taken. Like 3, 5 and 7 etc. In this way, the integration of Horoijima and Sumisen elements together in Ryoan-ji became easy and simple. The creation of a beautiful natural scene became easy with their combination. The numbers three, five and seven were not only considered auspicious for arranging rocks, but they were also used in groups of trees. Along with Taoism, the theory of In and Yo came into vogue. In which In was a symbol of female or negative (-, negative) and Yo was a symbol of male or positive (+, positive). They believed that the world is the result of negative (female) and positive (male) forces. Among numbers, seven means immutable (related to Yo), five means Yo and three from these two means heaven, earth and human. Even today, this principle is used in various Japanese garden arts, such as in the establishment of artistic hills in the garden. This is the reason that a rhythm and balance is found in Japanese gardens on the basis of diversity. If one hill in them gives the impression of being dry, precipitous and dynamic, then the other will give the impression of being flat, fertile and immobile. In English literature, this is described as a balance of contrasts. Thus, if one waterfall signifies masculinity, then the other should give the feeling of femininity. If a peninsula is raised in a lake, then it is absolutely necessary to have a bay for balance with it. If one side of a vertical rock is depressed, the other should be raised. A vertical and long rock should also have a flat small rock. In this way, the principle of harmony of opposite qualities (Principles of Positive & Negative) is linked to the entire project of the garden, whether it is a question of selection of garden elements or the question of use of these elements in the garden.

Apart from these, some other elements are also included in the establishment of Japanese gardens. Stone lanterns made on stone, in which the stone pillars appear to be standing and their cutting is indicative of Virgin Mary, which clearly shows the influence of English religion. The waterfalls built in Japanese gardens probably symbolize the head of five states, Fudao Myoo, who was a preacher of Buddhism.

From the 10th to the 12th century, palaces called Shinden Zukuri were also included in Japanese gardens. These buildings were constructed in such a way that their various parts were in perfect harmony with the garden. Apart from this, lakes were constructed in the middle of the garden away from the building, a small island was built in the middle of the lake and a small hill was built at the back, from which one or two waterfalls flowed. An arched bridge and a simple culvert were also built. On the occasion of festivals, women used to boat in the lake wearing clothes of different colors. The colors of their clothes were like the colors of different flowers according to the season. For example, clothes of the colour of Deutzia or Iris laevigata were worn in summer, plum, cherry or willow in spring, sweet clover (Lespedeza bicolour) or Partinia in autumn and the colour of fallen dry leaves in winter. Thus, white and red colours were preferred in spring and yellow in winter. In the 10th and 11th centuries, plum and cherry were the main flowering trees in Japanese gardens. Among shrubs, camellia, shrubby peonies, Carya japonica etc. were prominent. Among tuberous flowers, iris was the main one. Annual and perennial herbaceous plants were almost absent.

Between the 13th and 14th centuries, Chinese landscape had a great influence on Japanese garden art. During the same period, the colourful paintings of China, the morality and originality of Buddhist monks and the informality in art of the Japanese people influenced Japanese garden art. The result of this was that mysticism became prominent in these gardens. Under this art, called Yumen in Japan, garden artists started placing various elements at a distance in such a way that their coordination could reflect specific moods and thoughts. Under the influence of China's one-color painting system, gardens with abstract or dry landscapes started being built. The influence of symbolism increased in the garden.

In the 15th century, the art of developing tray gardens or Bonki or Bon came to Japanese gardens. Due to this, small-sized landscapes started being made in lacquered trays with the help of stones and sand.

The Japanese Garden

In the 16th century, many books were written on the designs of Japanese garden art and Japanese garden art developed systematically. As a result, the effect of dry landscapes started to disappear and some new elements started gaining popularity in gardens. Among these, Topiary was the main one, in which green plants are cut and given various shapes. Many plants were used for Topiary but Amelia was the main one. In the 16th century, roses, narcissus, peony, nymphaea, dianthus, lily, sweet william, etc. were in abundance. Nowadays, nymphea, chrysanthemum, etc. are many popular flowering plants.

The present form of Japanese gardens is of the Mizai era (1868-1912). Japan made a lot of progress in this era and during this period, European garden art influenced Japanese art but the Japanese choice remained limited to informal gardens. In Japan, having a tea house for drinking tea was considered essential (according to Jain sect). Therefore, tea houses in gardens became an essential part of Japanese gardens. Such gardens came to be known as Tea Gardens.

At the end of the 19th century, European and American garden art also started influencing Japanese garden art and many traditional elements disappeared from Japanese gardens. Undoubtedly, before the 19th century, Japanese gardens were completely landscape gardens and flowering plants were not as important in them as art. But this did not mean that there were no flowers in those gardens. Flowers have always been used in Japanese gardens.

In this way, the style and form of Japanese gardens kept changing. If at one time the Japanese garden style was influenced by the philosophical elements of the Jain community, then at another time it was influenced by the influence of painting. During the period of influence of painting, such gardens were established as if gardens were not being built but paintings were being done on silk. Apart from this, many religious and philosophical principles influenced garden art. But the feeling of beauty always dominated them all. It was always kept in mind that the garden should be established in such a way that man could be brought closer to nature. As a result of this concept, a period of setting up of miniature gardens began in Japan. Artists prevented the scenery of the garden from being limited. The background was neither allowed to be hidden from view nor was it allowed to dominate the garden. For example, the background has been used properly in Japanese gardens situated on the seashore. In some gardens, trees, bushes etc. were made in such a way that neither the sea is completely hidden from the eyes nor the unlimited sea is completely open in front of the eyes. Due to this reason, controlled beauty is prominent in Japanese gardens and all the beauty is not visible in front but the place keeps playing hide and seek from the eyes of the visitors. Japanese garden is not only an arrangement of beautiful places but is a place where the thirst of man to be close to nature is quenched. 

Japanese gardens do not feature trees and flowers as English gardens do, but instead feature rocks and boulders, wells, ponds, streams, stone'anterns , stone water vessels, bridges, paths, bronze pillars, etc. - private sacred houses often dot the landscape. Pines protect the goldfish in the reservoirs, vegetation such as duckweed and waternut grow in the reservoir, and iris and reeds grow on the banks.

Special attention is paid to lines and shapes in the setting of Japanese gardens. No matter how small or large the area of ​​the garden is, the traditional height of its various elements, their brightness, density and sparseness of leaves, flamboyance and delicacy of flowers (in size or colour), season of flowering, ups and downs of the landscape etc. should be kept in mind while arranging the various elements of the garden. The view of the garden should remain the same throughout the year and should look attractive all the time. In a Japanese garden, even the shape of each leaf and branch is in a definite harmony with other related elements.

For centuries, the Japanese have believed that flowers develop a family. Nurseries are not made in Japanese gardens; because flowers have less importance in them and plants have more importance in terms of their size and type. The reason behind this is that flowering plants do not emerge until the flowers bloom on them, hence bamboo, balsam, saffron, chestnut, rose, iris, lily, sunflower, etc. are more in number than non-flowering plants.

Types of Japanese Garden

Generally, there are three types of Japanese gardens-

1. Mountain garden

2. Plain garden

3. Tea garden.

1. Mountain garden (Buki-Yama) is suitable for mountainous areas. Hills are predominant in them. Generally, they have a hill around which there is a reservoir or water streams or both. This plan is called Shuki Yaka Sansui in Japanese language. Which literally means mountain and water. A lot of space is required to create a hill in the garden, so mountain gardens are unsuitable for small places.

2. Plain gardens are established in flat places. Valleys or Moors are suitable for them. These gardens are called "Hira Niwa" in Japanese language. Generally, there are no hills, reservoirs, high and low places etc. in them. Rather, the entire landscape is flat. Boulders and trees are used to make the landscape beautiful and have a charming atmosphere. Apart from these, stone lamp-posts, water pools and water wells are made.

3. A beautiful house is also built in the Tea gardens for tea drinking. The main purpose of the garden that is with the tea house is to make the scene around the tea house beautiful, natural, peaceful and sacred. The outer part of such a garden is called "Sotoroji" and the inner part is called "Unchi Roji". There is a waiting room attached to the outer part which is called 'Machi-i'. There is a provision of stone lamp-posts for lighting. A path is made of boulders to go to the tea house in the main building. There is a small gate to enter the tea house. A small stone is kept near the entrance. Only a bouquet or a picture is decorated in the tea house. Guests are served tea in a peaceful atmosphere in the teahouse. Some changes have also been made in the teahouses of modern tea gardens. These are called Sukiya.

Essential elements of Japanese garden

1. Trees - As mentioned earlier, rocks and stones are the main ingredients in Japanese gardens and trees only serve as a hedge. There is an old saying that the garden grows, which means that the plants planted in it keep growing. This does not apply to Japanese gardens. If there are a large number of trees in Japanese gardens, then they will grow over time and change the original plan of the garden. Therefore, the number of trees in Japanese gardens is very less and only such trees are planted whose growth is slow and limited. Many measures are taken to limit the growth of trees, such as pruning of trees. Since pruning creates artificiality and is not considered good in landscape gardening, such trees are selected for Japanese gardens on which after pruning, artificiality is almost negligible. The shape and size of the tree is also taken into consideration for the selection of trees for gardens. This is the reason why trees with evergreen leaves are preferred more than deciduous ones. Like deciduous trees, trees are also grown in their natural environment. The shape and size of trees and shrubs have a deep impact on garden art.

Japanese Gardening Techniques

Plants with torn and small leaves are preferred more in Japanese gardens. Broad-leaved plants are planted alone and that too only till the time they have special attraction. Sometimes broad-leaved plants are planted near rock gardens to give contrast and to create a wider effect. Sometimes broad-leaved plants are planted in front of thin and small-leaved plants. So that the plant with thin leaves looks more clear and impressive. In Indian climate, broad-leaved plants like banana, alocasia etc. are unsuitable for Japanese gardens. If broad-leaved magnolia is found anywhere in a Japanese garden, it is only for the grandeur of the flower. Mostly plants with neem-like leaves are found more in Japanese gardens.

In Japanese gardens, trees and bushes are planted at a short distance so that the beauty of the group and the effect of the forest can be expressed. Pruning is done as per need. It is not necessary to have many varieties of plants, so the same class of plants is planted again and again at many places. Such plants whose growth is more on one side.

(2) Arrangement of Rocks – Rocks are the Centre of the structure of Japanese gardens and act as the Centre of attraction of different parts of the garden. They captivate the audience due to their different shapes and sizes and if at some places the rocks are situated on top of small hills, then at other places many small rocks come together to form an island. Rocks are also used in making the banks of water reservoirs, waterfalls and culverts. These stones are also used to make routes to and from water reservoirs and hills. By placing them together, routes are made to connect one part of the garden to another.

Rocks are placed in three ways in Japanese gardens. At some places they are kept standing, at some they are lying and at some places they are half inside the ground and half outside the ground. Their number also keeps changing in the gardens. At some places if there is only one rock, then at some other places many rocks are placed in groups. Many rocks are also scattered at some places. Thus, there is a difference in their arrangement, they are placed in different ways so that they can address new ideas. It should be considered very seriously that how they should be placed so that they do not look different from the ancient art technology and garden method. In this way, the industrialists take new ideas from these stones and with the help of their knowledge, they create new ideas and teach others. If only one rock is placed in a systematic manner, then it can display high level art.

3. Sand, Moss and Lawn – In Japanese gardens, the arrangement of sand, moss and greenery is also of great and special importance. Sand is used in dry landscape gardens so that it gives the feeling of the sea or it gives the feeling of small water streams, rivers, reservoirs and water sources. Sometimes, specific desired effects are also created by using colored sand. In this type of garden, various artistic forms and shapes are made for which a special type of rake is used. Sometimes a stupa or a small hill is also made from sand. Sand is also used in small gardens. Sand does not require any care after use, whereas after planting moss and grass, a lot of care is required. Therefore, when there is a need to change the appearance of sand, stone pieces are used. But for a tea-house garden, planting moss is necessary, because apart from this, no other material can make the teahouses so peaceful. It is worth thinking that if stones are buried in the landscape and a net-like structure is spread on them, then how attractive it will look. Thus, it will not be an exaggeration to say that the atmosphere of simplicity and peace in tea houses is due to the use of moss.

Although green grass fields have been planted here and there in Japanese gardens since ancient times, it is a sign of the influence of Western civilization. In Japanese gardens, green grass fields are also found near water reservoirs, small hills and buildings.

4. Water- Water is one of the three main elements of Japanese gardens. It is as important as rocks and trees. Although Japanese gardens can be built without water, but due to its absence they appear lifeless. Dry Japanese gardens have been built with the latest ideas, but gardens without reservoirs have not proved to be as effective. Even when water is used in dry landscape Japanese gardens, the impression of rivers, reservoirs, waterfalls and sources is given by sand.

5. Bridges- Bridges in Japanese gardens are made with the help of rocks and wood. Sometimes bridges are made from wood or rocks and soil is put on them.

It is not necessary to build a bridge where there is a water stream or waterfall. Bridges are built in dry landscape gardens, where there is no water. In these gardens, the importance of the pool is more for enhancing beauty and less for use. In public gardens, bridges are built for both purposes. While deciding the shape and size of the bridges, it has to be kept in mind whether they will be just for show or they will also be used.

6. Stepping Stones and Paved Path - To join one part of the garden to another, stone-paved paths or trails are constructed. These are very important parts of tea house gardens. Initially, they were made with the purpose that the feet of the people going to the tea house do not fall in the mud. Along with fulfilling this purpose, stones and stone-paved paths were also used to increase the aesthetic value of the garden.

Like other elements of the Japanese garden, there are many methods of laying these stones, sometimes two, sometimes three or four stones are placed together. These stones are placed in such a way that they give the impression of a flying vulture. Generally the stones are kept in their natural form, but sometimes they are cut and given different shapes. It has also been seen that at some places instead of bridges, arrangements are made to cross the springs by laying stones. Stone-laden footpaths, called Nobedan in Japanese, are made to go to different parts of the gardens.

There are three types of footpaths to increase the utility and beauty of Japanese gardens -

1. So type of footpath uses natural stones. 

2. Cut stones are used in Shin method.

3. Both natural and cut stones are used in Gyo type.

Stone paths are found in almost every Japanese garden. While using them in Japanese gardens, care is taken as to which idea or emotion they are to be used to express.

7. Fence and hedge - Like other elements of the garden, boundary walls and fences are made in different ways according to their purpose and utility. These are also planted in the garden due to utility and beauty. Generally, bamboo fences are planted in Japan. These are of two types - one is that which surrounds the entire garden, which is called Kakoi-gaki in Japanese language and the other is that which surrounds a particular place, which is called Sode-gaki in Japanese language. Kakoi gaki is made from plants like bush, bushclever etc. in addition to bamboo. With the help of Sode gaki, the surrounded place is separated from unnecessary external views. For the construction of such fences, only such material is used which matches with other elements of the house and garden.

Japanese Gardening

8. Stone lantern & Water Pond - Tea house garden island lanterns were generally triangular but now there are many types of them. No special rule is followed in the selection of the place to keep them, yet it is kept in mind that the lamppost should be located at such a place which is in harmony with the garden. Small size stone' anterns are used for small gardens and large size stone'anterns are used for large gardens. Sometimes, to give a special effect, small size Stone 'antern are installed in large gardens and large size stone' anterns are installed in small gardens as well. Originally, these lamps were installed near ponds and water tanks for lighting along the footpaths. But in modern Japanese gardens, lamps are installed under trees or bushes or even in between them so that they remain fully or half visible.

Water tanks are generally made of stone. They are installed mainly in two places -

1. Near the outer gate or porch

2. Near tea houses

In both the situations, attention is paid to beauty and utility. Sometimes, a unique scene is created by planting water tanks, lamp tanks and trees together.

Thus, the most important thing in the construction of Japanese gardens is that there should be a feeling of immense love in its elements and parts and for this they should be placed in such a way that they enhance the beauty of the entire garden.