One of the trickiest parts of the job is managing client expectations and dissecting a creative brief. Ever since we got a client brief that requested a modern Chinese interior, we set out to learn as much as we could about Chinese symbolism in architecture and horticulture. In this blog entry, we explore the key elements in designing a Chinese-themed garden since our plan is to use these elements throughout the house whether it be indoor or outdoor. These are the 4 most important features that all Chinese gardens should have:
1. Water
Water, which forms the Earth's arteries, symbolizes both life and the feminine principle of the universe (yin). Its flat surface works like a mirror and seems to increase the dimensions of the surroundings. Water is essential to the representation of nature as a whole, and its horizontal line counterbalances the effect of the mountains. Water is one of the dominant, unifying elements of the garden. In some places rock comes into contact with water, for example near waterfalls. Rock and water are opposites: the water is yin, the rock yang. They are opposites, but they are linked, since they are two elements of a whole. From contrast and complementarity, harmony is born.
2. Stones
If water represents the earth's arteries to the Chinese, stone, for them, is the skeleton. Stone is omnipresent in a garden and is perhaps the most distinctive element; it is to the Chinese garden as flower beds and lawns are to Western yards. Heaped together, stones could form more complex mineral landscapes and recreate real mountains.
3. Plants
In a Chinese garden, look neither for the lawns of the English garden nor the precise lines of the French garden. Chinese gardens favor plants and trees that tradition and history have imbued with symbolism. Designers prefer more natural-looking perennial flowers over annuals.
- The Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) is a very important plant, representing longevity and the struggle for survival. Because it stays green, it is, along with the bamboo plant and the apricot tree, one of the "three friends of winter."
- The magnolia tree has traditionally represented wealth. It is also the emblem of Shangai.
In China, the azalea (Rhododendron spp.), together with the primrose and the gentian, is considered one of the "three famous flowers." The azalea bush and the cuckoo bird are said to be brother and sister since, in April, the bird sings its mournful song on the flowering branches of this plant. There are approximately 800 species of azalea in the world, most of which come from China.
- The tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) is from China. It embodies aristocracy, wealth and social status. It is the queen of flowers, paradoxically representing both female beauty and, the yang, the male principle. It may be one of the first flowers ever to be cultivated simply for ornamental purposes. Initially reserved for the emperor, then the richest classes, it eventually became accessible to all and was grown throughout China. Marco Polo, upon discovering Chinese peonies at the of the 13th century, called them "roses the size of cabbages." The plant's bark and roots are used in medicine. The plants generally bloom profusely in June.
- A chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum x grandiflorum), also from China, produced the large-flowered specimen we see today. Once used for medicinal purposes, this plant is now appreciated for its ornamental value and serves as a flavoring in certain types of tea.
- Sweet osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans) evokes autumn, the season when it blooms. It is said to be princely, elegant and eternal. It is also associated with the moon because, according to the legend, that is where a hare prepared an elixir of life in the shadow of the sweet osmanthus leaves. The creamy white flowers give off a subtle yet long-lasting scent similar to jasmine and are used in tea, wine, medicine and perfume.
4. Bamboo
Botanists consider bamboo a giant grass, or graminae. Extremely supple, it bends in the wind without ever breaking. It is the Confucian symbol of the true gentleman. The hollow bamboo stem grows in sections joined by hard, thick joints; its leaves are narrow, delicate and pointed. Bamboo shoots are a part of the Chinese diet. Bamboo is also a favorite food of the panda, the black and white mammal that is China's emblem. Bamboo is also widely used throughout Asia to make an array of objects for daily use.
Feel free to contact us should you need further information or just to chat! We are always happy to help. Happy designing!
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