Revealing the knowledge of uekiya in Kyoto during the 18th century regarding garden tree management from “Niwaki chōhōki”

Abstract

The “Niwaki chōhōki” is a technical book on garden plant nursing written by the Kyoto uekiya (gardener/plant dealer) Heisuke in the mid-Edo period. This study aims to reveal the knowledge described in this book and identify planting trends from the plant species it refers to. The “Niwaki chōhōki” is thought to have been published in the first half of the 18th century. Since the book contains several work songs meant to be shared with others, it is likely that the knowledge contained in the book belongs not to an individual, but rather to a group of uekiya. The descriptions of grafting techniques show that some techniques later were discontinued and remain forgotten today. Comparison with a horticultural book published in Edo at the end of the 17th century, “Kadan jikinshō,” revealed that there was a difference in plant nursing techniques between Edo and Kyoto. The “Niwaki chōhōki” mentions pine candling, one of the most important aspects of garden fostering in Kyoto today, which is not mentioned in the “Kadan jikinshō.” Thus, it was revealed that “Niwaki chōhōki” is a highly valuable historical document that demonstrates the knowledge and technique of Kyoto uekiya in the 18th century and the plant species they handled.