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Water and Water basins in Japanese gardens

The water together with the stones from the ancient times was defined by the Japanese. Water sources were considered as habitat for aquatic deities, and they were fenced by a rope. Temples were often located near these places. Paradoxical as it may seem, the first ponds were rectangular (Asuka Period). However, in the Nara period, when China's influence increased, the shape of ponds became more sophisticated; they were joined by streams and supplemented by the islands. However, in the Nara period, when China's influence has increased, the shape of ponds has become more sophisticated, they were joined by streams and supplemented by islands.

the pond in Toin garden, Nara

The history of the art of creating ponds went on developing in the Heian period, when the main source of entertainment for the nobility began to be boat sailings. The first rules for pond creating appeared in those times. For example, the water should flow from the east to the west, the shape of the pond should have specific forms (often it was a form of an hieroglyph, which meant something positive). The islands were also endowed with philosophical meaning. Thus, the island Horai symbolizes the pure land, an ideal world, the island of immortality and eternal happiness. To reach this island is not an easy task for the common people, so there are no bridges and walkways. Cranes and turtles are ancient Japanese symbols of longevity and immortality, and as such, find incorporation within garden designs from the earliest times in the form of rocks and islands. The turtle embodies the idea of knowledge and wisdom. Usually these islands are flat. The crane symbolizes the purification of the soul, and his island should be high. Besides, the Immortals, who populated the Mystic Isles, traveled from island to island on the backs of giant cranes, so they came to be closely associated with good fortune and happiness. Also, Turtle and Crane are the symbol of the unity of the two principles, male and female, as the yin-yang. If Turtle seeks to comprehend the depth of the universe, the Crane, by contrast, strive upwards, representing a spiritual perfection.

turtle island

Ponds and water bodies can be a nice decoration of a Japanese garden of your own. Still water would create the sense of calm and serenity.

pond in Saihodji, Kyoto

pond in Ginkakuji, Kyoto

The current streamlet, or at least a trickle of water, by contrast, would create the impression of movement and dynamics.

stream in Yoshikien, Nara

If you plan a large pond, you can breed koi carp, which are very popular in Japan.

koi carp in the pond

Thus, it is impossible to imagine a Japanese garden without water. However, this does not mean that it is necessary to create a large pond, a stream, or a waterfall. Japanese gardens are often created in small spaces. In such cases it would be appropriate to make either a small water basin, tsukubai or a shishi-odoshi.

Tsukubai is a place where guests make "cleansing by water", bending over or crouching in front of the bowl. Originally it was just a stone with a recess for water and another stone to which a man stood. However, over time, it included two more stones, to the right and to the left. On one of them shoud be put a candlestick with a candle, the other one was for a container with hot water. The composition, as a rule, was supplemented by a stone lantern (Oribe), as well as trees and shrubs.

tsukubai in Adachi museum gardens

The bowl itself is called chozubachi, a "water pool for hands". As a rule, it is very simple and made of natural stone with a hollowed hole in the center. According to the form, chozubachi can be round, square or generally irregular in shape, if an untreated stone is used instead of a bowl. In accordance to Chinese symbols, the circle represents the sky, and the square represents the earth.

tsukubai in Hakusasonso villa, Kyoto

tsukubai in Sanzen-in, Kyoto

Another interesting water device we can find in Japanese gardens is shishi-odoshi. Surely you remember it well by the movie "Kill Bill" (the fight scene in a Japanese garden). In this device the water climbs up the bamboo chute, pours out of it and flows into the other chute. Under the weight of the liquid the second bamboo tube goes down and strikes the stone with a thud. Water is poured out, and the empty bamboo chute rises again. Shishi-odoshi not only fills the garden with interesting sounds as a gurgling trickle, the sound of bamboo chute, but it is also pleasure to watch flowing water, which has a calming effect.

shishi-odoshi in Shisen-do, Kyoto

You can read more about water devices in this article.

I would like to mention another water basin. You've probably heard about the onsen, the so-called Japanese baths. As a rule, onsens are situated not far from hot springs with the healing water. Of course, it is difficult and expensive to create such a pool in Russia. But if you want a small pool, it is quite possible to stylize it as a Japanese onsen. For example, like we did in this garden. We have made a wooden flooring around a small basin, and we place some stones and plants around.

In Japan, onsen can be either of wood,

Onsen, Japan

or entirely made of stone, what you can also do in your garden.

Onsen, Japan

Onsen, Japan

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