Discover how artists have sought to depict Japanese gardens in their paintings and how Japanese garden art is used today…
Needless to say Japanese gardens are quite distinct from all the other styles that you will be able to find out there. Japanese gardening aesthetics have evolved over a matter of hundreds of years with each changing century having its influence on the art form.
In Japan designing your garden is taken as an art form. This particular form of art takes on a highly individualistic approach as the outcome depends totally on the choices and aesthetic sense of the designer. The garden in itself is meant to be a reflection of part of the personality of the designer.
Japanese Nature Art
Looking back in to the history of Japanese gardens we find that many fine artists used them as themes for their paintings. These paintings stand witness to the trends of the time and it is through them and other archaeological findings that we can actually get an idea of when the different styles of gardening evolved.
Traditionally, Japanese gardens were considered to be quite exquisite; So much so that not everybody had the privilege to lay their eyes on them. This exclusiveness of the Japanese garden made it a special theme for fine artists who sought to represent the aristocracy associated with the Japanese gardens during that time.
With time however this concept changed. The most drastic of changes have come in the last hundred years as the concept of Japanese gardening has been exposed to the world at large. More and more people are now aware, intrigued and allowed to enjoy the experience of a Japanese garden.
Meditation gardens
Over the course of history Japanese gardens were actually used as a place of meditation and attaining peace by the religious and the elite classes. This is one of the reasons why access to these gardens was restricted. Unlike today when people take to Japanese style gardens for their aesthetic value only in the past the locals sought refuge in their gardens.
It was perhaps this innate symbolism and meditative use of the Japanese garden that inspired the many artists who sought to depict such gardens as places of serenity. The collection of Japanese garden paintings varies deeply with regards to the idea that is being put forward.
You will be able to find Japanese garden paintings that are actually trying to depict the social scene of the period. Such paintings range from realistic scenes depicting the elite or religious class meditating in their garden of peace. On the other hand you would find highly abstracted Japanese garden paintings aiming to represent the spiritual enlightenment and feeling of serenity associated with these gardens.
In today’s times when the concept of Japanese gardens is gaining world wide popularity Japanese garden paintings serve a multitude of purposes. They can be used as decorative elements within an actual Japanese garden especially if it is a stroll garden.
On the other hand for those not having the time, place or money to build a Japanese garden these paintings can serve as a showpiece in their homes displaying their fondness for the style.
