Japanese Garden Design/Sakuteiki

The Historical Context of Japanese Gardens

The tradition of Japanese garden design is a fascinating blend of art, philosophy, and history, shaped by centuries of cultural and spiritual evolution. Although Swedish readers interested in Japanese garden art have limited literature in their own language—Christa Holms Inspiration från Japanska trädgårdar (Stockholm, 1996) remains a rare exception—a wealth of insightful works is available in English for deeper exploration. Among these, Japanese Garden Design by American landscape architect Marc Peter Keane stands out as an exceptionally beautiful and knowledgeable book. Having lived and worked in Japan for many years, Keane has developed an intimate understanding of Japanese garden traditions, which he presents vividly against the backdrop of Japan's political, religious, and social development.

Historical Development

The origins of Japanese gardens trace back at least 1500 years, though human settlement in Japan dates as far back as 8000 years BCE. Garden design styles evolved alongside the shifting tides of religion, power, and philosophy. During the Heian period (794–1185), the first truly Japanese garden tradition—the Palace Garden—emerged, especially as Kyoto became the nation’s new capital. Nobles built luxurious estates with grand, open gardens centered around large ponds, serving as backdrops for poetry, music, and dance (Japanska trädgårdar i deras historiska sammanhang). These aristocratic gardens were notable for their scale and included islands and pavilions navigable by elegant boats, demonstrating both aesthetic beauty and social prestige.

A profound cultural shift occurred with the arrival of Buddhism in Japan during the 6th century. While Japan's indigenous Shinto religion had already instilled a reverence for nature, Buddhism introduced new philosophical depth and a focus on spiritual symbolism. Over time, the two systems merged, uniquely influencing Japan’s garden design sensibility, encouraging a balance between natural beauty and contemplative space.

Zen Influence and Stylistic Evolution

The 12th century brought the influence of Zen Buddhism from China, which left an indelible mark on Japanese gardens. The warrior class, ascendant during the Kamakura (1185–1332) and Muromachi periods, embraced Zen’s minimalist principles, giving rise to the karesansui—the dry or ‘Zen’ garden. These gardens used raked gravel to symbolically represent water, with carefully placed stones evoking mountains or islands—an example of the layered symbolism and subtlety that defines Japanese design. Notably, revered Zen priests such as Musō Kokushi inspired the creation of many enduring gardens, although they were not always the actual designers.

Key Design Elements

Japanese gardens are composed of several characteristic elements, each bearing both imaginary and tangible meanings:

Stones and Gravel: Stones represent mountains, islands, or animals (such as turtles or cranes). Raked gravel or sand (karesansui) symbolizes rivers, the sea, or even pure emptiness, inviting meditation.
Water: Water—whether real or symbolized—signifies life, purity, and continuous movement. In Heian gardens, large ponds formed the focal point, framing the estate and offering tranquility.
Plant Selection: Carefully chosen plants evoke seasonal changes, monotone harmonies, or delicate contrasts. Pines, plum trees, cherry blossoms, and wisteria provide color and fragrance, with each species carrying its own symbolic meaning.
Material Choice: Building materials are typically understated—white gravel in temple forecourts, subdued wood and stone—highlighting nature’s intrinsic beauty rather than human intervention (Japanska trädgårdar i deras historiska sammanhang).

Historic Texts and Enduring Wisdom

A milestone in the literature of Japanese garden art is the 11th-century Sakuteiki, likely authored by Tachibana no Toshitsuna. This seminal text, translated by Jiro Takei and Marc P. Keane as Sakuteiki: Visions of the Japanese Garden, provides practical advice for garden designers and reflects striking openness. While it offers recommendations—ranging from technical tips (such as constructing waterfalls and ponds) to superstitious advice (like rules for stone placement)—it ultimately encourages flexibility and personal interpretation: “When creating a garden, let distinguished works of past masters guide you. But also consider the wishes of the house owner as well as your own taste.” Thus, Sakuteiki dispels the myth that Japanese garden design is inaccessible to non-Japanese, and instead advocates adaptability and the possibility for innovation within tradition. (Japanska trädgårdar i deras historiska sammanhang)

While some advice rests in folklore—such as warnings about placing tall stones too close to the house—many core principles remain relevant even for today’s garden enthusiasts. However, as Sakuteiki’s primary focus is the vast aristocratic gardens of the Heian period, its recommendations are perhaps best appreciated by those with a particular interest in historical design.

Contemporary Inspiration

Today, Japanese gardens remain a source of inspiration for designers worldwide, including in Sweden, where adaptations are made for the northern climate and local flora. Modern interpretations, such as the Japanese Garden at Arboretum Norr in Umeå, highlight the enduring resonance of Japanese design ideals.