Transcript Slide 1

17.07.2015 21:16:19
Gardens are, traditionally, a place where man or
woman can retain a measure of nature in their
house, a place where we come to feel the pull of
the natural world. This isn't true for all gardens,
but it is the purpose of the Chinese garden, a
place that takes a pivotal place in the Chinese
house design. A place of peace, a place to write
poetry, and most of all - a place to connect with
nature. These are some dazzling exmaples of
what many consider a terrific way of combining
function and art.
In Chinese culture, gardens play an important cultural role, and are just as
important as any other part of the house. They are a place for the residents to
retreat to, celebrate in or spend a quiet day. Chinese gardens are a place for man
to "contemplate nature", and often include the use of garden statues, such as
this piece: "Dreaming of the Tiger."
This is the Hangzhou Pagoda Bridge, a lovely complement to the surrounding
natural beauty of this place.
Yuyuan Garden, a koi
pond. Most Chinese
gardens incorporate
water, either moving or
still. Usually they would
have a pond, and
perhaps a few offshooting streams, home
to a variety of fish, such
as carp or goldfish.
Sometimes they will
have mandarin ducks.
The water has a
calming effect that
boosts that feeling of
serenity the gardens are
made for.
This is the former house of Hu Xueyan in Hangzhou. It was built in
1872 and utilizes Taihu rocks which represent both wisdom and
immortality.
Pavilions and pagodas
are a common sight in
Chinese gardens, such
as this lovely garden the Jichang Yuan
garden.
Shixianglu in Autumn.
Mountains possess a magical quality in Chinese culture, and so often the rocks
in the Chinese garden represent the mountains. This is Flower Basket Hall in
the Lion Forest Garden
The Chinese Imperial gardens at the Summer Palace.
An incredible bonsai forest - Yunyan Ta China.
Li garden, an old classic Chinese garden with a pavilion.
West Lake, Hangzhou, China.
Beautiful Yuyuan Garden, in the old city of Shanghai, is seen by many as one of
the most stunning and lavish gardens of that region. The garden was reportedly
first established in 1559 as a private garden created by Pan Yunduan, who spent
almost 20 years building a garden to please his father.
An entrance to Yuyuan Gardens.
Another stunning photo of Yuyuan Gardens. In reality, it is probably filled
with visitors who have come to enjoy the colors and beauty.
A classic piece in Chinese gardens is the curved bridge.
Under the shadow of Yu Long Snow Mountain, rises Helong Tan Park
on a clear, beautiful morning.
Hangzhou pagoda bridge in China
This picture of the Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai (created in 1559) shows all the
elements of a classical Chinese garden – water, architecture, vegetation, and rocks.
The Master of the Nets Garden in Suzhou (1141) was a model for later scholar's
gardens
The Lion Grove Garden in Suzhou (1342), known for its fantastic and
grotesque rocks
•(1541)
•
The Humble Administrator’s Garden in Suzhou (1506-1521)
The Lingering Garden in Suzhou (1593), like many MIng Dynasty
gardens, is filled with dramatic scholar rocks