The Best-Selling Japanese Gardens Books of All Time

Learn the art of Japanese gardening with this classic, fascinating text. The Sakuteiki, or "Records of Garden Making," was written nearly one thousand years ago. It is the oldest existing text on Japanese gardening—or any kind of gardening—in the world. In this edition of the Sakuteiki the authors provide an English-language translation of this classic work and an introduction to the cultural and historical context that led to the development of Japanese gardening. Central to this explanation is an understanding of the sacred importance of stones in Japanese culture and Japanese garden design.

Written by a Japanese court noble during the Heian period (794-1184), the Sakuteiki includes both technical advice on gardening—much of which is still followed in today's Japanese gardens—and an examination of the four central threads of allegorical meaning, which were integral features of Heian-era garden design. For those seeking inspiration to build a rock garden or just better understand the Japanese stone garden, the Sakuteiki is an enduring classic.

CHOZUBACHI A Chozubachi is a stone water-basin used by Buddhist Monks during the Kamakura (13th century) period. Originally these stone containers were located outside temples and shrines. They were filled with pure water and used for cleansing the hands and wetting the mouth before entering. In ancient times it was thought that this practice would purify themselves before entering the tea house. The tea masters popularized the use of Chozubachi and the basins were placed in parks and in the gardens of wealthy patrons. Artisans created several new styles to compliment these private gardens.

Today the water basin can be the most distinctive element in a garden. They greatly enhance a gardens interest and beauty while using a minimum of space. Although there are no fixed rules for positioning a water basin, it will look best if placed in a fairly open area against a back-drop of greenery or a stone wall.

Text: Japanese, English.