There are three main types of Bridges. The most common in
humble or simple gardens is that made of logs crossed on two
poles and covered with earth as at (8) in the sketch. Stone
bridges are usually made with rock slabs, sometimes set at parallel
angles. The third and most artistic type is that made of wood.
They are usually shaped to an arc and are associated with
shrines, etc. When painted red they have a sacred significance;
otherwise they are usually painted in brown shades. The Moon
Bridge, with a high arc of a half moon, is a favourite that is well-
named. An elaborate development of this type is the famous
Taikobashi or Drum Bridge for the wistaria garden; it is a simple
but graceful and elegant structure, with the half-moon arc supported by stout piles and a lighter framework of wood and
bamboo at the level of the banks.
STONES
Stones are important features in the Japanese garden and each
one has its own name, position and significance. The most
important is the Shiyu-go-Seki (n), or the Guardian Stone. It
is the most prominent and dominant stone in the garden and is
carefully selected for its tall, sentinel-like appearance. It is
interesting to see typical instances of the Japanese method of
"marrying" the various features into a composite whole, and this
is well illustrated in the cascade setting.
As a minor supporter to the Guardian Stone, the Taki-ishi (12)
Cliff Stone is placed at the cascade head partly overhanging
the fall. The forceful top part of the fall is masculine and the
division is marked by the Cascade or Torrent Breaking
Stone (13). Two stones (Yu-Giyu-Seki) are placed at the water's
edge below the Cliff Stone.
The Hai-Seki (14) Worship Stone is placed in the foreground or on an island near the shore. Sometimes a Principal
or Perfect View Stone is used. The Getsu-in-Seki (16) Moon
Shadow Stone marks a spot on one of the main hills which is
dedicated to solitude, a charmingly tactful way of indicating
when one wants to be alone! Other stones suggest ancient
courtesies and hospitality: Seat of Honour or Guest Honouring
Stone, Stone of Obeisance, Shoe Removing Stone, Amusement
Seat Stone, Stone of Easy Rest, Water Fowl Stone, etc. There
are also three kinds of stones for placing round the waterside.
Sui-bon-Seki (17) Water Tray Stones are placed in the
water to have one or two inches projecting above the water
surface.
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