Karesansui “Dry Landscape” Garden

December 2, 2009 Murial

Karesansui Gardens are made from gravel, stones, and sands, symbolizing, the ocean, river, sea or lake. In a Karesansui Garden, there is no water present. The molds and plants symbolize land and mountains.

This style of garden was first seen during the Muromachi period (1392-1568). Karesansui Gardens are also known as Zen Gardens because it was greatly influenced by the Zen Buddhism.

Karesansui Gardens change throughout the years, because nature plays a great part in the piece.

When i was about 15, I went to Kyoto, Japan and actually saw a Karesansui Garden with my own eyes, and I remember hearing that someone rakes the garden Everyday so it stays looking nice. The amount of effort put into this piece is impressive. Though the garden has to be raked everyday, whoever that rakes it does a great job at making it look similar everyday. One of the most impressive thing about these gardens is that they don’t leave a foot print. It must take a lot of practice to be able to rake the garden without leaving a single foot print or accidentally missing a section.

sources

http://www.zdsee.net/bbs/attachment/Mon_0804/62_17_02c8c5056f5457f.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_rock_garden
http://love.ap.teacup.com/datemegane/timg/middle_1202836272.jpg

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Entry Filed under: non-western

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6 Comments Add your own

1. tvmadros | December 3, 2009 at 3:39 am

Karesansui Gardens are beautiful, but taken care of them everyday is to much. I think that they are so cute and they remind me of my little piece I bought from China Town. It was just a little piece that I can keep on my desk, but one day it spilled and that was that. I really want to see one of these gardens, before I die. Your piece was very educational and your had very nice pictures. Good job.

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2. emilymbass | February 5, 2010 at 1:44 am

These gardens are very nice. Thanks for bringing them to my notice. you stated the name of the garden and the place they are located. I like your reason for why you chose them for your blog. I don’t see any relation mentioned to the Renaissance period though. your resources substantiate your claims. I think what you wrote is nice and made me think about how they do actually rake them so perfectly without any mishaps.

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3. fskmm20 | February 28, 2010 at 3:37 am

I wonder if they walk backwards when they rake? I enjoyed reading your blog and it is great that you have actually been to Japan and had seen this garden! I wonder if it could be considered environmental art? I’m not sure, but, I think that the process of raking the sand is part of buddhist meditation? I didn’t realize that the objects in the garden represent larger natural structures. Overall, I love the simple beauty of the garden and you did a great job explaining this artwork.

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4. emilymbass | April 16, 2010 at 11:22 pm

I really enjoy the Karesansui Gardens you presented. I think it is really neat that you were actually there. the fact that they leave no footprints is amazing and sound as if the raking and care of the gardens is an art in itself. I really like art done by the Buddhists. I was wondering if you had learned anything more about the meaning behind these gardens in the Zen thinking? Thanks!

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5. britrussellak | April 23, 2010 at 9:09 pm

These gardens are amazing, it’s funny to think of it as a garden when it really doesn’t have any trees, the main focus is sand! You are right that it would be a lot of work to rake the sand every day to keep it looking nice, but wouldn’t it be relaxing, as well? Great Post!

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6. Rhi | April 25, 2010 at 12:43 am

I really liked your blog post. Sand gardens of this type remind me of the sand paintings created by several Native American tribes, as both are a study in meditation. The focus and dedication needed to maintain such a piece of environmental art is awe-inspiring.

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