Japanese garden gates add the final touch to a Japanese style garden. Find out what your options are…
With the cross cultural communication that has been made possible through the improvements in means of mass communication has come about the transfer of ideas between distinct civilizations. A prime example is the fascination of the west with Japanese style gardens.
The Japanese tradition of gardening is looked upon as more of an art from by the bemused people of the west. The masses have taken to the style as a means of adding a different oriental touch to their homes. Hence we see more and more people making use of Japanese gardening concepts in their homes in the west.
Japanese gardening has a rather broad yet distinctive spectrum of variations. There are however certain elements that remain constant although their use and style may vary according to the surrounding theme. One of the most important elements in a Japanese garden is the garden gate.
The importance of a Japanese garden gate cannot be undermined when it comes to designing a proper Japanese garden. This is because the gate is the opening to the garden. Hence the garden gate must be carefully chosen in order to give the visitors a warm Japanese welcome into the garden.
A garden gate is meant to serve dual purposes. It is the obvious entrance into the garden along with which it gives the passerby a clear idea that the garden behind the gate is based around a Japanese theme. Whether the gate is open or closed it captures the essence and provides that finishing touch to the garden.
Japanese Garden Gate Styles
You will be surprised to discover the variety of styles that Japanese garden gates are available in. Some of the designs that you will be able to find today are actually centuries old. Modern Japanese garden accessory companies have constructed Japanese style garden gates based on the archaeological findings of actual garden gates dating to many years ago.
With regards to the building material of Japanese garden gates the traditional way is to stick with natural materials. In the case of garden gates wood seems to be the most obvious choice that is used to create the beams and the main frame work. Although wood does have some disadvantages and requires careful maintenance there is no other building material that can quite capture the essence of the oriental feel like wood.
There is however no hard and fast rule that limits you to use a wooden gate for your Japanese garden. Especially in today’s times and even more so when you are out of Japan. Some garden accessory companies have created Japanese garden gates made out of different metals and even plastic. You will even be able to get them in a variety of colours to match the overall theme of your garden.
Alternatively you can take the task of building a Japanese garden gate by yourself. This is of course a challenge that only a die hard enthusiast will take up because it requires a considerable amount of knowledge and skill. The easier alternative is to choose one amongst the many authentic Japanese garden gates easily available in the market.
