Tiny Mountains, Miniature Seas: How to Read a Chinese Garden

Tiny Mountains, Miniature Seas: 

How to Read a Chinese Garden

THE TALK:  Classical Chinese garden design operates on a system of tension and balance.  Designers traditionally utilized contrasts in size, spatial orientation, and conceptual significance of the various elements within a garden to achieve a harmonious overall effect.  A visitor to a garden who is well-versed in the techniques of garden building will know how to appreciate not only the beauty of the scenes presented, but also the emotional and aesthetic importance of those scenes.

The lecture will focus on how to view a garden in a way that will maximize the effects of the grounds for visitors.  Special attention will be given to two pairs of gardens in Suzhou, illustrating how finding the appropriate viewing technique can enhance the experience of journeying through a traditional Chinese garden.

THE WALK: will take place on Saturday 23^rd March. Day trip to Suzhou by bus, visits to two gardens and lunch.  Full details, cost, RSVP and booking requirements will be given in a separate event notice.