The Historical Transition of the Appreciation of Lotuses

Abstract

This study is concerned with the history of the appreciation of lotuses in Japan. The result is as follows: 1) During the ancient period, there exists the appreciation of lotuses, which is influenced by the proses and poems of China. 2) During the classical period, lotuses are observed minutely, and its results are reflected in the appreciation of lotuses. 3) During the medieval period, the appreciation of lotuses gains the moments of actuality and practicality. Moreover the lotus becomes the main constituent of the esthetic structure which is composed of lotus and its environmental factors by their being reconstructed. 4) During the pre-modern period, the moments of being in close touch with the character of lotuses and the relationship of the surrounding factors of lotuses are developed maximumly.