Molly Ayala
The art of Japanese garden-making is considered a high art, akin to calligraphy and ink painting. Traditionally, the art of garden-making was passed down orally from master to apprentice. The teachings were considered secretive and not to be shared with outsiders. Japanese water gardens, built in the traditional style of a Tsukiyama Garden, often aim to make a smaller garden appear larger than it is. This is achieved by blocking out surrounding buildings with vegetation while maintaining a clear view of distant mountains. The same basic principles of pond building apply to Japanese-inspired water gardens. Before electricity, Japanese ponds were built in places where water was naturally available. A small pond would already exist, a small river would be nearby, or the groundwater would be easy to reach. Clay or loam was used for better waterproofing of ponds. Rocks were set in a way to hold back the soil and prevent it from getting washed into the pond.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Ponds were built where water was naturally available, next to small ponds or rivers, or where groundwater was easy to reach. |
| Waterproofing | Clay or loam were used to waterproof ponds. |
| Water flow | Water levels were controlled through a system of dams and weirs. |
| Surrounding vegetation | Green plants, flowering trees, and shrubs were used to provide colour. |
| Fish | Koi fish were commonly found in ponds. |
| Rocks and gravel | Rocks were used to hold back soil and prevent it from washing into the ponds. Small rocks beneath the water surface kept bigger rocks in place. Gravel was used to line ponds and streams. |
| Islands | Islands were incorporated into ponds and could be made entirely of stone. |
| Bridges | Bridges were built to connect islands and cross streams or ponds. They were constructed from stone or wood. |
| Paths | Paths were made from stepping stones, crushed gravel, sand, or packed earth. |
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What You'll Learn
Ponds were built near naturally available water sources
In the absence of electric pumps, Japanese ponds were built near naturally available water sources. This could be a small, pre-existing pond that could be remodelled, or a location with a nearby small river, well, or groundwater that was easy to reach. For example, in Kyoto, many gardens were built using flowing water from Lake Biwa through the Biwa Canal.
The creation of ponds was an art form in Japan, with the garden builders drawing upon the technology of wet rice culture, which utilizes intricate systems of channels to direct water from one growing terrace to another, flowing down the mountain slope. The reflectivity of a still surface draws into view the sky and surrounding landscape, emphasising the many moods that a pond can present.
The Japanese refer to their gardens as "Tei-en", which translates as both "wild nature" and "controlled nature", two opposing characteristics. Japanese water gardens often aim to make a smaller garden appear larger than it is. This is typically achieved by blocking out surrounding buildings with vegetation while maintaining a clear view of the mountains in the distance. If done properly, this method creates the illusion that the mountains are part of the garden landscape.
The use of green plants is crucial to a Japanese-inspired water garden, with green tones in Japanese art considered attractive. Flowering trees and shrubs are also used to provide a splash of colour. The presence of Koi fish is another commonly recognised attribute of Japanese ponds, adding an authentic Japanese flavour to the landscape.
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Clay or loam were used for waterproofing
The creation of Japanese ponds and gardens is considered an art form, with a rich history of tradition and innovation. Before the introduction of electricity, Japanese pond-builders relied on careful observation of the natural world and ancient techniques.
One such technique, dating back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333), is the use of clay or loam for effective waterproofing. Prior to this innovation, pond-builders would cover the ground of the pond with sand and gravel, which required a constant influx of new water to maintain the water level. The introduction of clay and loam as waterproofing agents was a significant advancement, reducing the need for a constant water supply and making it easier to maintain the pond's water level.
The use of clay or loam was an important step in the evolution of Japanese pond-building, allowing builders to create more stable and long-lasting ponds. This method was likely developed through the observation of natural conditions in the garden and the accumulation of knowledge over time.
In addition to waterproofing, the Kamakura period also saw the development of other techniques to enhance the beauty and functionality of Japanese ponds. For example, rocks and stones were strategically placed to create natural-looking shorelines and prevent soil erosion. Single rocks protruding from the water resembled small islands, contributing to the overall aesthetic and symbolic value of the pond.
The art of Japanese pond-building has continued to evolve, incorporating new materials and technologies while retaining a deep respect for nature and traditional techniques.
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Rocks were used to hold back soil and create natural shorelines
The creation of Japanese ponds and gardens is an ancient art, with builders honing their craft over 1,000 years of trial and error. Before the introduction of electricity, Japanese ponds were built in locations where water was naturally available. This could be by remodelling a small pre-existing pond, utilising a nearby small river, or digging a new pond in a location with accessible groundwater.
An important aspect of Japanese pond building is the use of rocks and gravel. Large, beautiful, or unusual stones have been considered status symbols, with pebbles and rocks meticulously arranged along the banks of rivers and ponds to create the appearance of a coastline, known as "Suhama". This technique also helps to hold back the soil and prevent it from getting washed into the pond, creating natural shorelines. The Japanese are renowned for their ability to build stone walls without mortar, fitting each rock perfectly into the gap. Small rocks beneath the water surface kept bigger rocks in place.
Rocks and gravel are also used to create artificial hills, with carefully arranged rocks enhancing their beauty and increasing their height. These hills, known as "tsukiyama", are often modelled after real mountains in Japan, such as Mt. Fuji. The use of rocks and gravel in Japanese ponds and gardens serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, showcasing the Japanese appreciation for the beauty of nature and their skilled craftsmanship.
In conclusion, the use of rocks to hold back soil and create natural shorelines is an essential technique in Japanese pond building, contributing to the overall beauty and functionality of these water features. This practice, honed over centuries of observations and experimentation, demonstrates the Japanese gardeners' deep understanding of the natural world and their ability to work in harmony with it.
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Waterfalls were added to mimic nature
The Japanese refer to their gardens as Tei-en, which translates as both “wild nature” and “controlled nature,” two opposing characteristics. Waterfalls were added to traditional Japanese ponds to mimic nature and create a tension between the natural and human-defined elements, which seeks to improve the beholder's quality of life.
Waterfalls can be built in a way that is simple and inexpensive. The first step is to concentrate on two structures: the pool into which the water falls and the cascading structure for the waterfall itself. The latter is often more difficult to build, but it can be done simply and cheaply by using rocks of varying sizes and textures to create a more realistic waterfall.
Once these two structures are in place, a pump in the pond is used to keep water recirculating from the pond to the top of the waterfall. To minimize water loss, the objective is to get the water to fall as close as possible to the middle of the pond. A greater height equals greater visual impact but also greater water loss.
For those who are landscaping in small spaces, a smaller waterfall is preferable, as long as it brings the soothing sound of water striking water. One alternative is to use pre-cast concrete forms that mimic stone for the cascading structure. They are compact and easy to install, simply stacked up over the edge of the pond. If you have access to natural rocks, you can use those instead.
A pondless waterfall is another option. This is a waterfall or stream without a pond that adds beauty and elegance to your backyard. It is a simple system that can fit into any sized landscape and requires very little maintenance. The water flows from a waterfall down a stream and then drops off into a hidden underground basin. The water is then cycled back up to the waterfall spillway using a hidden submersible pump.
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Paths were built to lead visitors to controlled views
The Japanese refer to their gardens as Tei-en, which translates as both “wild nature” and “controlled nature,” encapsulating the tension between the natural and human-defined elements of these spaces. Paths are an integral part of Japanese gardens, particularly in strolling gardens, which feature circular paths constructed of stepping stones, crushed gravel, sand, or packed earth. These paths are designed to lead visitors to specific vantage points, offering controlled views of the garden, including hidden ponds, and segregating different areas so they can be contemplated individually.
The daimyo gardens, or stroll gardens, are characterized by large, central ponds, extensive networks of paths, rolling artificial hills, and miniature representations of famous scenes. The paths in these gardens are carefully orchestrated to not only lead visitors to specific vantage points but also to control the sequence in which these views are encountered, a technique known as miegakure, or "seen/hidden." This careful orchestration of views is also seen in the Heian-period estate gardens, which feature large boating ponds with central islands, long winding streams, and perimeter paths.
The construction of Japanese ponds and gardens was informed by centuries of observations and a deep understanding of the natural world, honed through trial and error. Garden builders drew upon the technology of wet rice culture, utilizing intricate systems of channels to direct water from one growing terrace to another, flowing down the mountain slope. Water levels were efficiently controlled through a system of dams and weirs, emphasizing the many moods that a pond can present.
The reflectivity of a still pond surface draws into view the sky and surrounding landscape, creating a dynamic interplay between nature and human-defined elements. This interplay is further enhanced by the use of stones and gravel, with larger stones symbolizing mountains and hills, and smaller rocks and gravel lining ponds and streams. The arrangement of plants and trees around the ponds and gardens is also carefully considered, with maple and cherry trees chosen for their seasonal appeal and pine trees, bamboo, and plum trees valued for their beauty during the winter months.
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Frequently asked questions
Ponds were built in places where water was naturally available. A small pond that already existed could be remodelled, or water could be sourced from a nearby river or well. The ground water needed to be easy to reach.
Water was directed into the ponds using the technology of wet rice culture, which involves a system of channels that direct water from one growing terrace to another, flowing down a mountain slope.
Rocks and gravel were used to line the ponds and hold back the soil, preventing it from getting washed into the pond. Clay or loam were also used for better waterproofing.
Japanese water gardens often aim to make a smaller garden appear larger than it is by blocking out surrounding buildings with vegetation while maintaining a view of distant mountains. The reflectivity of a still pond surface draws the sky and landscape into view.
Islands, streams, waterfalls, and bridges are all commonly incorporated into Japanese ponds. Koi fish are also a commonly recognised attribute.
