The Chinese Garden

The philosopher Laotzu stressed the importance of living in unity with nature. This ideal was inherited by the Chinese culture and the Chinese began to worship the forces of nature. Laotzu formalized his philosophical renderings into Toaism; which describes the beneficial effects of nature and what it can do for the mind and body. Toaism was not the only force to influence the Chinese garden. Buddhism taught that meditation was an act of beauty and privacy and Confucius taught man to engage in peaceful ritual and it will mend the conflicts one encounters in everyday life.

It is from these philosophies that the basis of gardening was created. There are some references to gardens in literature as well as some paintings but most evidence leads one to believe that gardens began during the Han Dynasty. These gardens aimed to reproduce nature and attain unity with the universe. Gardens were meant to induce a mood of tranquility, serenity and a constant flow of introspection.

Certain elements of the garden are important. The garden must reflect the local environment and incorporate natural elements. The garden must represent a world of its own and have an element of surprise and uncertainly. Chinese gardens are designed with contours; the design takes advantage of the natural topography of the land. The Chinese preferred winding streams and paths rather than simply symmetry and straight lines. The walls surrounding a garden are very important and act as an enclosure. These walls separate the chaotic lives of human activity from the calm forces of nature.

Other elements that are included in the design of Chinese gardens are architecture. The architecture found in a Chinese garden is mostly aesthetic rather than useful. Examples of this include elements of the animal and vegetable kingdom depicted architecturally.

Another architectural element is called a Moon Gate, sometimes they can be seen in different shapes such as flowers or vases but for the most part they are circular doorways, leading one to different parts of the garden. What is special about the moon gate is its ability to show other parts of the garden. Leaking windows are another form of showing the garden and are located in walls and sides of buildings. One can catch a glimpse of a scenic view through the moon gate or leaking window, which adds mystery and surprise to the garden. These gates and windows give the garden a sense of enclosure as well as the illusion of a labyrinth.

Garden pavilions are another element of the Chinese garden but are prevalent in larger gardens. Family friends or the garden caretakers would often occupy these Pavilions. But in the case of a rich man, he would harbor his lesser wives and concubines in the pavilions. Other smaller pavilions would give the viewer a chance to rest or contemplate. The metaphor of these small pavilions symbolizes man’s small existence within the greater natural order of the universe.

Chinese gardens are not your typical garden you see in North America. Whereas our garden’s green grass is the typical central focus, Chinese garden’s focus on water. The yin and yang is very important in Chinese gardens. There is a balance of these two elements that gives the garden the right amount of water and rocks. These two elements of the garden are the most important. They symbolize the basis of nature and give life to the garden.

A Chinese garden is built, not planted and it is considered part of the architectural whole. There is a connection between the value architecture gives to the landscape as well as the value of gardens and what they can add to the buildings. The complex maze that acts as a haven of peace that can still challenge the viewer is what makes Chinese gardens so unique.

Reference:

Graham, D. Chinese Gardens: Gardens of the Contemporary Scene, An account of their design and symbolism. New York: Vail-Ballou Press, 1938.

Keswick, M. The Chinese Garden: History, Art & Architecture. Academy Editions: London, 1978.

Images: Google Images

By: Patricia Brooke Herczeg