Overview
Far from the Western emphasis on trees, lawns and flower beds, the private gardens of China boasts artificial hills and carefully planned ponds. The influence of Confucianism, landscape poetry and painting is omnipresent, transforming courtyards into 3D private picture galleries.
Synopsis
The garden as total artwork: in contrast to Western-inspired garden design with its emphasis on trees and shrubs, lawns and flower-beds, it is the overall topographical effect that is considered paramount in the private garden of China. Artificial hills and carefully laid-out ponds and lakes transform the mostly flat terrain into a magical miniature landscape. It is the sheer subtlety of the layout of these gardens, inspired as they were by Confucianism, landscape painting and poetry, that give the onlooker the impression on occasion that he has before him an intricate water colour. Splendid photographs convey the magic of these gardens, which will be a source of inspiration for every garden lover. The historian, architect and all those interested in China and Chinese culture will, however, also find much that is valuable.