Chinese Garden Appreciation Encyclopedia

Author: Chen Congzhou
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-01-01
Features: This dictionary has distinct characteristics and rich content. Unlike general reference books or simple collections of garden materials, it is a synthesis of aesthetics and garden landscapes. Notably, it integrates aesthetic perspectives into the characteristics of garden design, giving garden aesthetics a guiding role and enhancing people's understanding and appreciation of garden beauty. The dictionary faithfully reflects Professor Chen Congzhou's long-standing advocacy of garden aesthetics, viewing poetic and artistic essence as the soul of Chinese gardens, considering gardens as carriers of beauty, and blending poetry, painting, drama, and gardens into a harmonious whole, creating a profound sense of humanistic emotion. The text not only introduces the physical aspects of gardens, such as area scale, content and form, and historical evolution, but also focuses on analyzing the artistic conception, characteristics of landscape composition, and the principles of aesthetic appeal. The application of garden design techniques such as dynamic observation, static observation, focal points, contrasting scenes, and leading scenes in accordance with local conditions is also discussed.
The dictionary is divided into two main parts in its structure: "Appreciation of Famous Gardens" and "Miscellaneous Knowledge of Garden Appreciation." "Appreciation of Famous Gardens" consists of five sections: Private Gardens, Imperial Gardens, Memorial Gardens, Temple Gardens, and Scenic Gardens, accounting for four-fifths of the entire book, with a focus on introducing existing gardens in China and their scenic spots. The second part, "Miscellaneous Knowledge of Garden Appreciation," systematically presents the cultural connotations, historical origins, and knowledge of garden appreciation, making up one-fifth of the book. To complement the introductions, 177 color photographs of various garden landscapes are published before the main text, adding vibrancy to the dictionary and serving as a vivid illustration, achieving a harmonious balance of text and visuals.