Murin-an
Murin-an (無鄰菴) is a Japanese garden in Kyoto, built by political and military leader Yamagata Aritomo between 1894 and 1898. It is an example of a classical Japanese promenade garden of the Meiji Period.
Description
The garden is sited on the slopes of the Higiyama Hills, and has a source of water by a canal from Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, which feeds an artificial river, with a triple waterfall. The garden features contrasts between shady forests and sunlit open spaces, and a long promenade to see the different sights of the garden, including many views of the Higiyama Hills.[1]
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Garden path in Murin-an -
Corner of the residence in Murin-an -
Residence in Murin-an -
Teahouse at Murin-an -
Garden view with bridge in Murin-an
History
Yamigata Aritomo was an important figure in the politics and military affairs of the Meiji Period. Born into an old Samurai family and devoted to military affairs, he traveled to Europe in 1869 as part of a delegation of experts to study the Prussian Army, and when he returned he helped re-organize the Japanese Army on the Prussian model. He became Minister of War in 1873, and was twice Prime Minister of Japan, from 1889 to 1891 and from 1898 to 1900.
Yamigata was also a great lover of gardens. He purchased land near the Nanzengi garden in Kyoto, and made plans to build a villa and garden. He began work in 1894, but stopped in 1895 to conduct a war with China. He resumed work when the war was finished, with the help of the notable garden designer Ogawa Jihei, who had built the garden of the recreated Kyoto Imperial Palace nearby. In addition to the garden, he built a tea house, a traditional Japanese house, and a modern western-style house, complete with a lawn in the English style, added in 1898.[2]
References
Bibliography
- Danielle Elisseeff, (2010), Jardins japonais, Nouvelles Editions Scala, Paris, (ISBN 978-2-35988-029-8)
External links
