The Contrast between Japanese and Chinese Gardens – Taking Humble Administrator’s Garden in Suzhou and Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto as Examples

Abstract

Garden culture has evolved through thousands of years to create its own distinctive features in both China and Japan. Chinese culture also had a major influence on Japanese culture, which is seen in garden culture. Both the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Katsura Imperial Villa were built during the same eras, the Ming Dynasty and the Edo era, and they are considered to be the greatest examples of Japanese and Chinese garden architecture. The garden design, water features, and rock elements of the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Katsura Imperial Villa are thoroughly compared in this study to highlight their commonalities and differences. It explores the factors behind these distinctions, encompassing the design and aesthetic concepts of the two countries, while considering the influence of cultural, economic, and natural factors. Additionally, the research uncovers key findings, shedding light on the distinctions between these two gardens and the influential factors, including cultural, economic, and natural influences, shaping their unique characteristics. The study delves into historical, geographical, and cultural influences, unveiling the distinct preferences and philosophies of Chinese and Japanese garden aesthetics. Ultimately, this research extends readers’ comprehension of Chinese and Japanese garden art and culture, fostering positive cross-cultural understanding and communication between the two nations. Through comparison and analysis, readers gain a deeper understanding of the underlying ideologies and aesthetics of these two cultures, promoting greater exchange and mutual enrichment in the realm of Sino-Japanese garden art.