Available:*
Library | Item Barcode | Call Number | Material Type | Item Category 1 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... | 30000000462287 | NA9064 R36 1987 f | Open Access Book | Book | Searching... |
On Order
Summary
Summary
Shows oriental gardens that feature rocks, stones, and gravel, discusses the meaning attached to their design, and also looks at ancient paintings of these gardens.
Reviews 1
Choice Review
The Rambach's knowledge of the subject and particularly their sensitivity to Chinese and Japanese philosophies make this book very worthwhile. The major part covers the philosophic and aesthetic meaning and significance of stone compositions in the gardens of China; the remainder takes up the relationship of garden design in Japan to aspects of Zen Buddhism and Chinese doctrines. For example, the title word ``longevity'' means the maintenance of the state of youth to be attained by becoming attuned with the currents of energy, the Breath Force, pulsing through all aspects of nature. Explaining how the composition of a garden in both natural and man-made elements can provide a visible, traceable flow of these vital energies is one of the author's accomplishments. Other books on Asian gardens are as splendidly illustrated and have as much or perhaps more historical data and other details, but no other has the focus and concentration on ``stone raising,'' a major East Asian garden phenomenon, as this one. The large format allows enjoyment of the well-chosen and well-reproduced photographs and illustrations (many in color) that are critical to an understanding of the text. Included are a list of the gardens illustrated and a helpful bibliography. Highly recommended for libraries having an interest in garden design and construction.-G. Kavaljian, California State University, Sacramento
