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Japanese Karesansui-style Gardens

Contemplative Viewing Garden Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) Boston, MA

Nov 7, 2008 Georgene A. Bramlage

The Japanese karesansui-style contemplative viewing garden at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) Boston, MA combines Japanese, New England and MFA elements and traditions.

Tenshin-en, Garden of the Heart of Heaven, is a 10,000 square foot contemplative garden located on the north side of the Boston, MA Museum of Fine Arts (MFA). It is an interpretation in the karesansui-style of a Japanese landscape garden by Kinsaku Nakane (Kyoto, Japan). His inspiration was a 15th century Zen temple garden.

This example of one designer's interpretation of the karesansui-style of a Japanese landscape garden is a good place to examine a personal interpretation among the choices of several Japanese-style gardens. It also is an example of how identifying local distinctions and plant selections can make gardens regionally deep-rooted.

Elements of Design in Tenshin-en

The design of Tenshin-en recreates the essence of New England mountains, oceans and islands in the karesansui-style by combining Japanese, New England and MFA elements and traditions. Karesansui is a dry landscape garden in which the world is gathered in one small space. Separating the components of the word karesansui shows that its literal meaning is "dry mountain water."

  • Kare=dry;
  • San = mountain; and
  • Sui= water

Boulders from Boston's North Shore, rocks and gravel that symbolize islands and water provide the skeleton and structure of this traditional interpretation. Plants in Tenshin-en are typical of Japanese gardens, but can withstand Boston climate – Plant Hardiness Zone 6a. Native species also provide color, texture and secondary form.

Garden Components Employed in Tenshin-en

  • Roofed Gate (kabukimon) of Japanese cypress built in Kyoto welcomes visitors;
  • Curved Path of traditional design leads visitors to the Viewing Terrace;
  • Water Basin (chozubachi) placed next to the terrace is a symbol of mind and body purification before contemplating the garden;
  • Mt. Sumeru (shumisen), a mythical mountain with a dry waterfall of black stones believed to be the center of the Universe, occupies the east wall diagonally across from the viewing terrace;
  • Tortoise Island (kamejima) and Crane Island (tsurujima), mythical mountains believed to bring immortality and prosperity to those who view them, stand almost directly in front of the terrace;
  • Three arched bridges link Tortoise Island and Crane Island with the "mainland" supporting Mt. Sumeru, and function to guide visitors' eyes through the garden;
  • A seven-storied Pagoda (to), part of the MFA Asiatic collection, stands on the "mainland" directly across from the viewing terrace; and
  • Stone Lanterns (toro), originally offerings in the front of Buddhist temples, later functioned as lights on paths and in special areas. There are several lanterns within Tenshin-en. The small mushroom-capped lantern near the water basin is also part of the MFA's Asiatic collection.

Garden Visits

Tenshin-en is open to MFA visitors from April to November, weather permitting. Visitors may gain a view of the overall design of Tenshin-en from overlooking second floor windows in the North Gallery.

Japanese Garden Information at Suite101

©Text and photograph by Georgene A. Bramlage. 2008. Reproduction without permission prohibited.

The copyright of the article Japanese Karesansui-style Gardens in Landscaping is owned by Georgene A. Bramlage. Permission to republish Japanese Karesansui-style Gardens in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Path from Viewing Terrace toward Roofed Gate , © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Path from Viewing Terrace toward Roofed Gate
View from Terrace to Curved Bridge & Pagoda, © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston View from Terrace to Curved Bridge & Pagoda
 
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