Elements of a Chinese Scholar's Garden
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Wood: Wood is a
major element in a Scholar's Garden. No nail or glue is used
in the construction of a Chinese garden. Rather the wooden elements
are joined together through a sophisticated mortise-and-tenon
system that is characteristic Rocks: With associations rich in symbolism, rocks have played a significant part in Chinese poetry and landscape painting. Described in literature as "bones of the earth," rocks find endless forms of expression, from large monolithic pieces, to paving stones, to pebbles, to artificial hills called rookeries. Four types of rocks are used in The New York Chinese Scholar's Garden. Taihu shi is limestone quarried from the floor of Taihu Lake near Suzhou. It is used in the Garden as monolithic sculpture or to compose a rockery. Shishu - a stalagmite - is named after its resemblance as vertical accents through the Garden. Huangshi is a yellow and brown granite also used in the construction of rookeries. Eruan shi is a special pebble named because of its shape like a goose egg and can be seen in the walkways and mosaics of the courtyard. Water: While rock is understood as the skeleton of the earth, waterways are understood as the arteries. Water is the principal of life in the garden, both literally and figuratively. In the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden, there are three ponds on different levels and one waterfall. The recirculation of water in these ponds represents the flow and rejuvenation of life. Plantings: China has a rich and diverse plant life, having contributed the rose, lilac, daphne, species of rhododendron, and the beloved peony to the rest of the world. However, in a Chinese garden, trees, shrubs and flowers are selected for their shape, seasonal character and symbolic meaning, rather than their genus or species. Plantings are arranged asymmetrically and are integrated with architectural elements. They are as important to the structural aspect of the garden as rock or water. The symbolic meaning of plants is also a major consideration. The pine, bamboo and plum used extensively in this garden symbolize three friends in the winter season "aloof, proud and enduring," while the lotus is a "thorough going gentlemen who emerges from the mud and is yet unsoiled". Furniture: The furniture
in a Scholar's Garden is often referred to as "internal
organs." The excellence of great Chinese furniture is well
known, and plays a crucial part in the overall development of
the space. The furniture in the New Walls: Although a barrier to the outside world, walls also serve design purposes in Scholar's Gardens. The gates that penetrate them provide frames for different scenes. Usually the walls are white plaster and serve as backdrops for different plants. rocks and architecture. Walkways: Walkways are designed in a variety of textures and shapes. They bend and twist, offering different views from each new angle. Many of the walkways are roofed, which provide opportunity for artistic expression and protection from snow and rain. Pavilions: Two pavilions can be found in The New York Chinese Scholar's Garden, one serving as a scholar's study and the other providing visual access to surrounding scenes. The study is closed to keep out distraction, while the viewing room is open. Xie: Xie is a building with one half over a lake or pond, and supporting columns in the water. The structure is designed to give the illusion that the building is floating over the water's surface. Bridge: Bridges frequently zigzag, providing visitors ever-changing vantages to experience the garden. Some are built only inches above the water to give the visitor the illusion of walking on water. Paving: Ornamental pavings are a standard feature of Chinese gardens. Materials vary, continually altering the tactile sensation of walking. In some places paving stones are smooth, in others rough. The high point of the pavings, however, are the detail of the mosaics. Painting and Calligraphy: Painting, calligraphy, and other art collections are also important parts of the interior decoration of the architecture. They are representative of the garden owner's knowledge and taste of literature and art. Poetic words in form of carded phrases,couplets and plaques, can both highlight the scenes and create the literary mood as well as increase the artistic dimensions of the garden. |
of
traditional Chinese construction. This emphasis on creative tension
is at the heart of much Chinese philosophy.
York
Scholar's Garden is antique, made in the 19th century in the
style of the Ming period.
