SAKUTEIKI

In a new translation from the Japanese

• The third in a new series of ancient wisdom about gardens, agriculture and the home, reinterpreted for the modern gardener, small holder and nature lover

All things cultural date back to original agriculture. With new translations and introductions by leading women, modern experts in their field, these classic texts on gardening, land and the home are reinterpreted for a rising generation of gardeners, agriculturalists and nature lovers returning to the wild in pursuit of honest and sustainable living. Delightfully packaged as collectible literary gift books they are perfect for the reader interested in understanding which aspects of ancient wisdom and practice from around the world might be of material and philosophical use today as we address climate change, the health of our soils, food stability and more harmonious ways of living with our land and landscapes. Forthcoming titles in the series include classics on agriculture, garden design and the home from: Ancient Rome, Moorish Spain, Persia, India, Japan, China and the New World.

SAKUTEIKI, or “Records of Garden Making”, was written in the eleventh century and is the oldest published book on garden design in Japan, if not the world. Authorship is unverified, but has been attributed to Heian-era nobleman Tachibana Toshitsuna. The work outlines in detail the five principles of landscaping: the “ocean style”, the “mountain torrent style”, the “broad river style”, the “wetland style” and the “reed style”. Each aesthetic is based on the poetic feeling of the designer and the chosen site; the art of setting stones becomes synonymous with the art of garden making itself.

Publication Details

Subject: Home & Garden

Format: HB
Extent: 240pp
Publication Date: April 2024
Price: £15
Illustrations: black and white line drawings throughout