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Magazine
LIVING SPACES
Elemental details
ANITA KULKARNI
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Discover the various symbolisms of Japanese Zen gardens to add an extra dose of peace, beauty and joy to your life.
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Photo: Anita Kulkarni
A rich visual symbolism: A Zen garden.
Haiku, the renowned form of Japanese poetry, is an insightful expression of Japanese thinking, wherein a poet packs rich emotional and visual symbolism into three simple lines. Japanese gardens also explore the “Less is More” philosophy, wherein gestures are abbreviated and carry a rich, deep meaning. Absolute minimalism is the essence of Japanese design.
Though often thought of as tranquil sanctuaries, Japanese gardens are also designed for a variety of other purposes. Some are intended for recreation, while others may be created as exhibits for rare plant specimens or unusual rocks. Various elements go into Japanese gardens and we’ll see what these elements symbolise.
Sense of enclosure
An enclosure: Japanese gardens reflect individual worlds of thoughts, and so forbid copying. Their true meaning lies in a viewer’s imagination and interpretation of the abstract landscaped spaces. A strong sense of enclosure — in the form of an irregular, dense plantation of hedge plants, a bamboo fence, etc — creates the mood of a quiet escape.
Plants: Known to bring emotion to the garden with their various colours and textures, it’s important to prune the plants, instead of creating an unruly cluster. Flowering trees and shrubs are occasionally used. Symbolic varieties such as pine trees are used. The jagged bark of this tree resembles dragon-scales. A red pine also symbolises the female presence. Some plants, such as the sugar maple and fire bush, showcase a broader seasonal palette. Most commonly used plants include bamboo, Japanese black pine, maple varieties, ferns and mosses.
Pathways and bridges: Aside from natural elements, some man-made architectural elements such as pathways and bridges are also a part of these gardens. Bridges are symbolic of Buddhism’s emphasis on correct posture, and hence they guide visitors along the path of the Buddha. One example is a bridge made with small planks that are joined in a zigzag fashion. This symbolises the Eight-Fold Path. Bridges and paths also give visitors different views of the space.
Lanterns: When placed at unexpected points or turns, lanterns mildly highlight the composition. They are effective in daytime for their designs, and of course make another mark at night with their light and hue. Lanterns made of natural materials such as wood and stone are chosen over metal ones for a peaceful, balanced environment.
Rocks and sand: The two main elements of a Zen or a “dry style” garden are rocks to represent mountains and sand to represent flowing water. Sand in the rock garden creates simplicity and serenity with its minimal character, and massing. Usually, sand that’s not raked, symbolises an empty mind. When raked in swirls, it resembles the ripples in water, which are supposed to fill the garden with energy. Gravel, sand or small pebbles are used to create a minimalist atmosphere, ideal for meditation.
The sand also symbolises the ocean around the island of Japan, while the rocks placed in the garden, represent Japan itself. Various colours of sand can also be used. For example, black in an authentic rock garden to create an imposing formality; brown for a subdued and refined look; and the purest white to set off the rocks even more starkly. The sand used in Japanese gardens is not beach sand but crushed granite and comes in varying shades, from white and grey to beige. Light coloured crushed granite is avoided in sunny areas as it produces a blinding glare, but it will brighten up an indoor or shaded garden.
The timeless quality of rock can be contrasted with the fluid quality of sand to express both, the permanence and changeability of the world. Formations of rock may be composed to resemble a miniature mountain range.
Some of the most popular and powerful rock groupings in Japanese gardens are those that represent the crane and turtle because they convey peace.
Rocks, once chosen, are not simply placed on the surface but buried two-thirds into the ground, to appear as natural outcrops. They are positioned in a triangular shape to create an asymmetrical balance. Symmetry is considered out of kilter with nature. The triangular shape is also depictive of mountains. A few stepping stones suggest a long walk as per the “Less is More” principle explained earlier.
Vertical stones and flat areas of sand suggest the mood of a still, yet deep, river between steep banks.
Well proportioned rocks (not too tall and slender, nor too low and spreading), standing firm on the ground suggest perfect harmony within a person.
Representations of eternity
Stones depict eternity, and the ones with a flat top indicate peace. Ones with sharply pointed tips are avoided, as they symbolise threat and terror. Inclined stones indicate brave, reliable spirits. A single vertical rock symbolises heaven.
The number three is considered auspicious and represents heaven, earth and humanity. Japanese garden masters also regard the numbers seven and five as auspicious. Rocks in Zen gardens are arranged keeping this in mind.
Water: A water body in a Japanese garden is supposed to appear natural. This is why you will not find fountains here. Serene man-made streams are built with curves and irregularities. The water level is usually half an inch lower than the ground indicating a feeling of abundance. When lower by five inches, steep rock walls inspire calm and quiet. (This is rarely done, since water reflections and ripples are enjoyable at human scale). Lanterns are often placed beside some of the most prominent water basins (either a pond or a stream), or at a dry pond or stream to create an element of drama. Dry ponds and streams are equally impacting as the real ones
Now that you have a fair idea of the meaning of the symbolic elements of a Japanese garden, you can create your own heaven of tranquillity!
>Better Interiors, 2008
Essential Zen
A delicate balance of rocks, sand, trees and shrubs
Natural symmetry is preferred over a man-made one
Flowers are either absent or minimally present in a Zen garden
Swirls of raked sand are akin to rippling water, which, in turn, represents energy
Lanterns made of organic materials are positioned beside prominent elements for a touch of drama
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