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Signature Gardens of Japan — How and Why They Were Built? (Lecture)
Monday, May 11, 2009
12pm to 1pm
Lecture Details In addition to unique horticultural details, the signature gardens of Japan have played pivotal roles in history. Enjoy views of the gardens and hear the stories behind the famous fifteen Zen stones of ‘Ryouanji’; the eight hundred huge boulders commandeered from the estates of his subordinates as “suitable gifts” for the military dictator Toyotomi Hideyoshi; the loan of 1,000 troops to transfer pine trees to ‘Ginkakuji’, the Silver Pavilion in the eastern foothills of Kyoto; the salutary neglect during civil unrest that shaped ‘Saihouji’, the Moss Temple; and other tales of ambition, betrayal, success and heartbreak.
Instructor Martha Bassett (BA Japanese Language & Culture, MEd) is an avid historian of Japanese gardens. She has worked and studied in Japan in the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2005-06. She is a member of International House in Tokyo, the site of a historical tea garden that was restored after WWII to its original late 16th century style and served as the venue for the formal introduction of the current reigning Emperor and Empress. Martha has organized and escorted three cultural tours to Japan for high school students, currently teaches Japanese language & culture at St. George's High School, and will escort another ceramics-focused tour in spring 2009.
Location At the Botanical Garden Reception Centre, near the main entrance (Directions to the Botanical Garden)
Cost $5.00
Please Note Bring a bag lunch. Coffee supplied. Fee collected at the door. Please call 604-822-3928 or email the in advance to book a seat.
