Japanese Karesansui-style Gardens
Contemplative Viewing Garden Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) Boston, MA
Nov 7, 2008
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
- Japanese-style Landscape Gardens: Creative Solutions for Small Space Contemporary Surroundings. A Japanese-style garden may be appropriate for small spaces. Consider how water, rocks, gravel, and plants influence and contribute to a Japanese-inspired landscape.
- Morikami Japanese Gardens: Living Textbook of Japanese Garden History and Design. The Morikami Gardens in Del Ray Beach, FL are a living textbook . They demonstrate periods of Japanese garden history and design from the 8th to the 20th century.
©Text and photograph by Georgene A. Bramlage. 2008. Reproduction without permission prohibited.
