| A Zen Life in Nature: Muso Soseki in His Gardens Volume 56 Contributor(s): Davidson, Keir (Author) |
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ISBN: 1929280378 ISBN-13: 9781929280377 Publisher: U of M Center for Japanese Studies OUR PRICE: $64.35 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: January 2007 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Biography & Autobiography - Social Science | Ethnic Studies - General |
| Dewey: B |
| LCCN: 2007060898 |
| Series: Michigan Monograph Series in Japanese Studies |
| Physical Information: 0.9" H x 6.2" W x 9.1" (1.25 lbs) 310 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: This book examines the design style of the medieval Japanese Zen monk Muso Soseki (1275-1351), who built gardens as places to meditate and to escape his busy public life. A Zen Life in Nature begins with a discussion of Soseki's rural upbringing and the spiritual background to it, his quest for enlightenment as a Zen monk and his role as mediator in the turbulent times that surrounded the Kemmu Restoration and the establishment of the Ashikaga shogunate. Other chapters look at the spiritual and cultural influences that are crucial to understanding Soseki's aesthetic and design sense and the development of his garden building. Finally, the book provides a detailed look at the beautiful Upper Garden at Saihoji, built by Soseki in 1339. |