The Influence of the English Landscape Garden on the Meiji Stroll Garden: between Fact and Speculation
The Influence of the English Landscape Garden on the Meiji Stroll Garden: between Fact and Speculation

Summary/Abstract: The present paper explores the characteristic elements of the Meiji stroll garden and their relation to the English landscape garden. Starting with Murin-an garden, a new style of gardens developed in the Meiji period (1868-1912), having characteristics different from those of the gardens of the Edo period (1603-1868). Some researchers mention the possibility of an influence from the English landscape garden as an essential factor for the appearance of this new garden style. However, in a more recent study, Wybe Kuitert argued that it was the design of the Japanese garden from the 17th century that led to the formation of the English landscape garden in the 18th century. This paper re-analyses the new elements of the Meiji stroll garden from the point of view of their relation to the English landscape garden, taking into consideration that the common elements of the two garden styles may actually be the result of the influence that the Edo period garden had on the English garden. Rather than looking for a direct connection, this paper aims to consider the Meiji stroll garden in the broader context of the various changes occurring in this period in Japan under the various influences from the West.

• Details
• Contents