Man and nature – pervasive pattern

Styles of nature

The construction of gardens was necessarily a collaboration between specialists and owners, where the latter provided instructions to a greater or lesser degree. In most cases, owners wanted set-ups of a familiar type, customised to their own personal needs, taste or history. It was however desirable that a measure of choice was expressed, so that the garden could serve to distinguish its owner.

Gardens varied in respect to style, taste and mood. In Suzhou one finds fragments of an archaeology of expression. This can still be seen in some of the more lasting elements, such as rock placements. On the left, a grouping that is more in Yuan style - angular, plain and austere. Centre, a Qing confection of billowing rocks leading to a doorway set at a second level.

Similarly, paintings of gardens can be seen as not only as observations of sites, but as records of styles. They also offer the only remaining detailed indication of how plants were managed in the past, both in respect to choices and pruning. SHEN Zhou's 沈周（1427-1509） album leaf shows a remarkable screen composed of chrysanthemums held in a light bamboo lattice. While this may or may be an absolutely accurate rendering, it is surely inspired by arrangements 'like this.' One can guess at the dramatic effect this sort of colourful and temporary extravagance would have had on guests.

Suzhou Yuan period (1279-1368) style Photo: 2004	Suzhou Qing period (1644-1911) Photo: 2004	SHEN Zhou 沈周 (1427-1509) Handscroll with six sections, possibly formerly an album Ink and colour on paper Each section 30.5 x 45.3 cm Private collection

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