Japanese Garden Design by Marc P. Keane, Marc Peter Keane (Illustrator), Haruzo Ohashi (Photographer), Haruzo Ohashi (Photographer)

From the Publisher

The creation of a Japanese garden combines respect for nature with adherence to simple principles of aesthetics and structure. In Japanese Garden Design, landscape architect Marc Peter Keane presents the history and development of the classical metaphors that underlie all Japanese gardens.

Keane describes the influences of Confucian, Shinto and Buddhist principles that have linked poetry and philosophy to the tangible metaphor of the garden. Detailed explanations of basic design concepts identify and interpret the symbolism of various garden forms and demonstrate these principles in use today.

Library Journal

A landscape architect and garden designer working in Japan, Keane here offers a history of the Japanese garden over 20 centuries, showing how society, politics, religion, art, and the tea ceremony have contributed to the structure and elements of these beautiful retreats. He also includes chapters on design principles and techniques, explaining, for instance, how individual aspects such as rock, sand, plants, and bridges embody the symbolism of the gardens. This comprehensive book includes not only excellent full-color photography but detailed plans of the various types of gardens. An extensive glossary, a bibliography of books in English and Japanese, and numerous maps are also offered. The text concludes with a timetable mapping the evolution of the garden alongside events in Japanese culture and world history. Recommended for public and academic libraries.Phillip Oliver, Univ. of North Alabama Lib., Florence

Booknews

One of the better volumes on the principles of Japanese garden design, avoiding much of the annoying sentimentalism to which Western writers on Japanese gardens are prone. Keane, a landscape architect, integrates Japanese history, philosophy, geography, art, and culture into his discussion of Japanese design principles and aesthetics, bringing the gardens he describes to life. Excellent color photographs and detailed drawings. 11x9". Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents