The Garden Art of Japan

The Heibonsha Survey of Japanese Art #28

by Masao Hayakawa, Richard L. Gage (Translator)

The history and aesthetics of Japanese landscaping are illuminated as celebrated ancient and modern gardens are pictured and described

Genres: Japan

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times somewhat difficult to follow for people with no background knowledge in Japanese architecture or garden art, especially as the pictures are a bit all over the place. The book is very much of its time (1970s) in regards to composition and language (e.g. painful use of the generic 'he' in the English translation). Nevertheless, it was very interesting and the last chapter was especially insightful, I only wish it was longer.

[Jason Keenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great survey of the history of Japanese gardens. I hear the word garden and I think about symmetrical plantings of flowers. Or maybe rows of vegetables. But Japanese gardens are something completely different and their roots and symbolism go back centuries.

I can't wait to visit gardens on my next trip to Japan.