Japan's Master Gardens (9780804860710)

Explore twenty-five of Japan's most beautiful gardens and discover the artistry, symbolism and design principles behind these extraordinary landscapes.

From intimate courtyard gardens to sweeping stroll gardens, Japan's Master Gardens showcases twenty-five exceptional landscapes that demonstrate the remarkable diversity and enduring beauty of Japanese garden design. Richly illustrated with stunning photography, this inspiring volume reveals how centuries of tradition continue to influence contemporary landscape architecture and garden design.

Japanese gardens are works of art, places of contemplation, and carefully composed expressions of nature. Gardening expert Stephen Mansfield explores the history, symbolism, design principles and cultural philosophy that shape these remarkable spaces, explaining how elements such as stone, water, plants and empty space work together to create harmony and meaning.

Building on the success of his acclaimed Japanese Stone Gardens, Mansfield guides readers through some of Japan's finest gardens while revealing the craftsmanship, metaphor and aesthetic ideals that make them enduring masterpieces. Whether you're a gardener, designer, traveler or admirer of Japanese art and culture, Japan's Master Gardens is an inspiring celebration of one of the world's greatest landscape traditions.


About the Author:
Stephen Mansfield, an author and freelance photojournalist based in Japan, has contributed to over 60 magazines, newspapers and journals worldwide. His books include Japanese Stone Gardens: Origins, Meaning, Form and Tokyo: A Cultural and Literary History. A specialist in the field, he has visited over two hundred gardens in Japan, written extensively on the topic and designed a Japanese garden of his own.