Construction of Paradise: Principles of Chinese Classical Garden

Location
The Prince's Foundation School of Traditional Arts China Centre
Dates
2025.4.14 - 2025.4.25
Tutor
Ye Fang
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Construction of Paradise
What is a garden, and why is it called a garden? 
Why create gardens, and for what purpose should gardens exist? 
What defines a garden, and how are gardens constructed?

These seemingly simple questions now evoke a unique sentiment in contemporary reflection.

Thus, the concept of "crafting gardens and the artistry of gardens" — concerning both "what kind of gardens to create" and "how to create them" — gains special practical significance through inheriting and advancing traditional art within modern contexts.

Regarding the notions of "garden art and artistic gardens": if the former explores "gardening as a method of artistic creation", the latter examines "gardens as a form of artistic expression".

In the course, Tutor Ye Fang would share with everyone the theories and practices of garden-constructing, along with research and philosophical reflections on the subject.

This module guides participants in understanding the tradition and evolution of classical Chinese gardens as embodiments of the "Tao Hua Yuan" (an idealized utopia). It explores the ‘principles’ behind garden design (the "why" of crafting gardens) and the ‘methods’ of garden creation (the ‘how’ of garden artistry).

Through studying the cultural philosophy and artistic principles of classical gardens, participants will delve into how Chinese cosmology and natural philosophy are expressed through landscapes. They will learn to harmonize elements such as rockery and water design, horticulture, pavilion and terrace construction, and spatial decoration, while developing a worldview and methodology for preserving and innovating garden art in contemporary society.  

1. Principles of Garden Design (Worldview of Classical Gardens)

·Focuses on the cultural evolution and philosophical foundations of gardens.

·Through themes like "ideals of immortal realms, landscape artistry, the spirit of Dao and craftsmanship, and reclusive living,"participants will grasp the ‘principles’ guiding garden creation.  

2. Methods of Garden Crafting (Methodology of Classical Gardens)

·Explores the artistic rules and practical techniques of garden design.

·Through concepts such as "ink-wash painting philosophy, poetic and musical imagery, miniature aesthetics (like penjing and bonsai), and mindful embodiment,"participants will master the ‘methods’ of garden artistry. 
 

Tutor biography

Ye Fang

Professor Ye Fang is an artist, garden designer and educator. 

Professor Ye Fang was born into a family of learning. His ancestor, Bi Yuan, was an official and literati who served Emperor Qianlong and started the family tradition of designing and constructing gardens. He was born in Suzhou and spent his childhood in the family residence at Bi Yuan (Bi Garden), a garden created by Bi Yice, his great grandfather, and received his early education and a traditional upbringing there. Later, he studied at the Art and Crafts Institute in Suzhou focusing on The Humble Administrator’s Garden, and later conducted advanced research into the landscape design of Ting Feng Yuan (Listening to Maples Garden), both of which are among the finest and most famous scholar’s gardens in China. 

Now, Professor Ye is devoted to promoting the art of the garden within a contemporary context. Across his work in different media--whether ink painting, sculpture, installation or landscape design--his understanding of the Chinese garden as it is informed by culture and tradition has always been a connecting thread. 

The garden Professor Ye designed and constructed in Suzhou, Nan Shi Pi Ji, is the only contemporary Chinese garden listed in UNESCO’s report on Suzhou’s classic gardens, after nine of the most famous historical gardens; and his work Da Yuan (Da Garden) which was shown at the 53rd Venice Biennale, was the first artwork related to classical Chinese garden design to be featured there.