Boston Flora

Tag: Emperor Of Japan

  • Tuesday, October 26 – Thursday, November 4 – Wabi Sabi 2010

    It is well understood that the nature of Japanese gardens differs greatly from those in the Western World. They are regarded as representing the universe and its elements, and expressing a specific philosophy. Some of the most highly acclaimed are those located in and around the ancient city of Kyoto. This fall, Tuesday, October 26 – Thursday, November 4,  a small group, limited to only 20 participants, will enjoy a unique opportunity to visit some of the most renowned gardens, temples and palaces in this region personally selected by Professor Lennox Tierney, current Curator of the Art of Japan for the Utah State Museum of Fine Arts, the Mingei Museum, San Diego, and Art Director of San Diego’s Japanese Friendship Garden.

    Professor Tierney is also the author of “The Nature of Japanese Garden Art”, in which he examines the Zen principles that relate to Japanese gardens, and the terms WABI SABI, which reflect the value of understatement and the richness of aging. On the tour he will provide a unique orientation and understanding of the many specific elements encountered in the places visited. In 2007 Professor Tierney received the Order of the Rising Sun from the Emperor of Japan for his services.

    For pricing information, contact Sterling Tours at 619-299-3010, or email sterling1@cox.net.  The web site for Sterling Tours is www.sterlingtours.info.

    http://www.csuohio.edu/class/history/japan/JapImages/kenrokuen1.jpg

  • Friday, October 23, 6:30 pm – Kyoto: City of Gardens

    For more than 1200 years, the gardens of Kyoto have reflected the cultural characteristics of each successive era of Japanese history.  In this talk on Friday, October 23, beginning at 6:30 pm,  MARC PETER KEANE, landscape designer and historian of Japanese gardens, will discuss the cultural forces — social, religious, economic, artistic, and architectural – that have shaped the gardens of Kyoto from the time of the Tale of Genji (10th century) to the present.  1200 years ago, the Emperor of Japan settled his court in a newly-built city, Heian-kyô, now known as Kyôto. Gardens were built at the residences of the imperial courtiers, and have been built in that city ever since, their design changing over time as the ebb and flow of society replaced one culture with another. Marc Peter Keane, garden historian and specialist in Japanese gardens, will discuss those cultural changes — social, religious, economic, artistic, architectural — and how each new form of Kyoto garden reflects the cultural environment of its time. His talk will include: pond gardens at courtier residences in the Heian-period, medieval gardens of raked sand and stones, tea gardens, and courtyard gardens of urban merchant houses.  Marc Peter Keane lived in Kyoto for 18 years, designing gardens for private individuals, companies and temples, and continues that work now from his studio in Ithaca, New York. His books include Japanese Garden Design (an introduction to the culture and aesthetics of Japanese gardens), Sakuteiki (a translation of the Japan’s oldest gardening treatise), The Art of Setting Stones (eight essays on the meaning of gardens), and the soon-to-be-published, Japanese Tea Gardens.This talk is part of  the Kyoto-Boston 50th Anniversary celebration.  Please rsvp at www.us-japan.org.

    The Japan Society of Boston
    at Showa Boston Institute
    420 Pond St., Boston MA
    Free and open to the public

    http://www.mpkeane.com/sakuteikimd.jpg