The Garden Making Technique based upon the Theory of the Flower Arrangement

Abstract

It is generally believed that Sôshin (1541-1626), one of Hideyoshi (1538-1598)'s acquaintances, established agarden-making technique based upon the theory of the flower arrangement and that he practiced this technique for the garden of Shôjyu-raigôji temple in Shiga prefecture. Through considering the secret records of Kôhukuji temple, which was founded by Sôshin, this paper argues that the technique would seem to be not more than a paper plan which was established by Shôkei (d.1706), his fifth generation successor, in order to bring honour to the temple by using the false story concerned with the founder. Also, it suggests that the garden of Shôjyu-raigôji temple was designed most probably not by Sôshin, but possibly by Sôgen, one of his third generation successors.