Metropolitan Museum of Art: Visit to the Scholar’s Garden

The Chinese Scholar’s Garden at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a replica of the Master of Nets Garden in Suzhou, China. The natural components of the Scholar’s Garden creates an area for contemplation, observation, and relaxation. Similarly, the purpose of the Master of Nets Garden in China was to let one escape from the city and enter into a natural universe. The legacy of the Master of Nets Garden continues as it is displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  The Garden creates a Taoist atmosphere where scholars can identify forces, find balance, and discover peace.

The Scholar’s Garden conveys the Taoist idea of the importance of natural forces in our daily lives. This principle is achieved through the Garden’s use of plants and sunlight. The Tao means the way – the prominent force of the universe. The Tao can be seen and felt in the Garden through the use of plants. The force and power of nature are emphasized through a wilderness setting rather than a floral atmosphere. No flowers or blooms are used in the Garden, resulting in a rugged, wild and powerful setting. In the Garden, the plants are positioned in different arrangements. The plants are not uniform in size, type or height. Rather, there are a variety of plant arrangements occupying the Garden some growing taller than the other. This gives the sense that the force of nature, and not a gardener’s blueprint, guides the growth and development of the plants. In addition, the Tao’s “energizing force” includes the sun’s constant movement throughout the day. The constantly changing shade and light illuminate parts of the Garden at different times of the day and highlight the subtle attributes. For example, when the plants are in the shade, the Garden conveys a dark and somber atmosphere compared to the bright and enlightening atmosphere when the sunlight shines directly upon the plants. The forces of the Tao are evident through the use of plants and sunlight in the Scholar’s Garden.

Furthermore, the Scholar’s Garden portrays the Taoist concept of balance, which is evident through the height, size, and texture of the rocks. Similar to the representation of the plants, the composition of the rocks can be interpreted as mountain ranges and peaks. The rocks are rigid and are naturally formed in unique shapes. In Taoism, these different, individual aspects are used to trigger contemplation and a focus on nature. The placement of the irregularly shaped rocks next to the smooth, moss rocks creates a balance between the forces of yin and yang. Some of the rocks represent yin; dark, wet, and tall compared to yang; hard, dry, hot, small, and eroded. Yin and yang are complementary forces that rely on each other. This is seen with the smaller eroded rocks that support the tall rocks with crevices. In addition, the towering rocks create focal points for the viewer. The architects of the Garden created an atmosphere where the base of the rocks are textured in a complex manner and evoke thoughts about the structure and other aspects of nature.

Finally, the Scholar’s Garden conveys a peaceful Taoist setting, which is seen through the soft and rhythmic movement of water. In Taoism, one of the most important values is the concept of water, and its constant, soft, feminine characteristics. Water is continuously moving and going with the flow. Taoism’s central theme is following the harmonious, pure flow of water, which determines how Taoists think and act in society. The water signifies the importance of individuality and evokes a sense of inner self. As an observer, listening to the soothing ripples of the water and the breaths of the fish coming up for air, it is evident that the water creates an atmosphere for new thoughts and relaxation. Another salient principle is feng shuisghui, the continuous flow of energy and movement of forces. Feng shui is seen through the natural elements in the Scholar’s Garden including water, sunlight, and air. Feng shui is another aspect of the Garden that a scholar can reflect upon while enjoying the serenity of the space. Feng shui, water, the juxtaposition of the rocks and the fish create a peaceful atmosphere for focus and observation.

The plants, water, sunlight, and rocks represent the core Taoist principles: the way, balance, going with the flow, and fengshui. The silence and stillness of the Garden’s spiritual terrain evoke thoughts and observations intended by ancient Chinese philosophy. The Scholar’s Garden at the Metropolitan Museum of Art provides a tranquil atmosphere reminiscent of various ancient Chinese traditions. The unique arrangement of natural elements allows one to think beyond this universe and contemplate the forces and natural elements that surround us in our everyday lives, just as Taoism prescribes. Taken together, these concepts create a setting for scholars to understand ancient Chinese philosophy in a first hand way, achieving a sense of peace and harmony.

 

 

150 thoughts on “Metropolitan Museum of Art: Visit to the Scholar’s Garden”

  1. I am really loving the theme/design of your blog.
    Do you ever run into any browser compatibility issues? A number of my blog readers
    have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari.
    Do you have any tips to help fix this problem?

    1. Fortunately, I do not have any compatibility issues while I am writing my blog. I use wordpress, which works well. If you google, ‘how to fix compatibility issues’ there is a step-by-step process to fix your problem. Hope that helps!

  2. I’ve been following ƴour site for some time now and finally ɡot
    the ϲourage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Austin Tx!
    Just wanted to mention keep up the fantastic job!

  3. I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom should i encounter a blog
    that’s both equally educative and engaging, and certainly, you’ve
    hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that not enough folks are speaking intelligently
    about. I am happy which i found this during my search for something concerning this.

    Feel free to visit my webpage: DeanXMalcolm

  4. I’m curious to determine what blog platform you are utilizing?
    I’m having some minor security issues with my latest site and I might like to find something
    more risk-free. Do you possess any recommendations?

    Here is my web page; MyrleBCoplon

  5. I’ll immediately clutch your rss feed as I can’t in finding your
    email subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any?
    Please let me know so that I may subscribe. Thanks.

    My web blog; Kiersten

    1. I do not have an e-newsletter service, but I appreciate your interest in my writing. I will definitely look into an email subscription. In the meantime, you can create a tab for my website in order to view my latest posts. Thanks!

  6. I don’t even understand how I ended up here, however I believe that this publish is
    great. I don’t know who you are but certainly you’re going to become a well-known blogger if you aren’t
    already. Cheers!

  7. I must thank you for the efforts you’ve put into this website.
    I am hoping to view the same high-grade content from you later on as well.
    In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get
    my own blog now 😉

  8. I am curious to find out what blog system you are utilizing?
    I’m experiencing some small security problems with my latest blog and I would like to find something more risk-free.
    Do you have any suggestions?

  9. Great article! This is the type of info that is
    supposed to be shared around the net. Shame on the search engines for
    no longer positioning this submit higher! Come on over and discuss
    with my website. Thanks 🙂

  10. I like the valuable info you provide in your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here frequently.
    I’m quite certain I’ll learn a lot of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!

  11. An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this.
    And he actually ordered me breakfast due to the fact that
    I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this….
    Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some
    time to discuss this subject here on your blog.

  12. It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a
    doubt donate to this brilliant blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and
    adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
    I look forward to fresh updates and will talk about this site with my Facebook group.
    Talk soon!

  13. I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site.
    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much
    more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme?
    Excellent work!

  14. Thanks for the marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, and you happen to be
    a great author. I will ensure that I bookmark your
    blog and will eventually come back in the future.
    I want to encourage you to continue your great job, have a nice afternoon!

    1. Thank you! I would recommend reading the post titled The Runaway by Norman Rockwell. In that post, I compare a case study of the painting and the final cover that was published for The Saturday Evening Post.

  15. This design is incredible! You certainly know how to keep a reader amused.
    Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog
    (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and
    more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

  16. May I just say what a comfort to find somebody that
    actually knows what they’re discussing on the net. You certainly
    know how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
    More people should check this out and understand this side of your story.
    I was surprised that you are not more popular since you surely
    possess the gift.

  17. Simply desire to say your article is astounding.
    The clearness in your post is simply excellent and I can assume you’re an expert on this subject.
    Fine with your permission I would love to grab your feed to keep
    up to date with forthcoming posts. Thanks a million and please carry on the rewarding work.

  18. Can I just say what a relief to uncover somebody who actually understands what they’re discussing online.
    You definitely realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
    More and more people ought to check this out and understand this side of the story.
    I can’t believe you aren’t more popular because you most certainly have the gift.

  19. This is very interesting, You’re an excessively skilled blogger.
    I have joined your rss feed and look ahead to in the hunt for extra of your wonderful post.

    Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks

  20. Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this website.

    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very hard to get that “perfect balance” between usability and appearance.
    I must say you have done a fantastic job with this.
    Also, the blog loads super fast for me on Internet explorer.
    Exceptional Blog!

  21. Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon on a daily basis.

    It’s always exciting to read content from other writers and practice
    something from other sites.

  22. This is the perfect site for everyone who would like to understand this
    topic. You know a whole lot and its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually will need
    to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic that’s been written about for ages.

    Great stuff, just great!

  23. You’re so cool! I do not suppose I have read through a single thing like this before.
    So great to discover someone with unique thoughts on this issue.
    Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This site is one thing that’s needed on the internet, someone with a
    bit of originality!

  24. Can I simply just say what a relief to find someone that genuinely understands
    what they are discussing over the internet. You actually understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
    More and more people really need to read this and understand this side of the story.

    I can’t believe you are not more popular because you certainly possess the gift.

  25. An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a
    colleague who had been conducting a little homework on this.

    And he actually ordered me breakfast due to the fact that I
    stumbled upon it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this….
    Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the
    time to discuss this subject here on your website.

  26. Extremely nice post. I just came across your website as well as
    wished to say that I have definitely enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
    In any case I’ll be signing up to your feed and I hope you write once again soon!

  27. Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it,
    you may be a great author. I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will
    eventually come back someday. I want to encourage
    one to continue your great posts, have a nice morning!

  28. Thanks a lot for providing individuals with an extraordinarily memorable opportunity to read articles and blog posts from this site. It really is very pleasing plus jam-packed with fun for me personally and my office mates to search your blog minimum three times every week to see the newest issues you have. And lastly, we’re always fulfilled with all the fantastic principles you give. Certain 1 facts in this posting are really the best we have all had.

  29. Thanks for your personal marvelous posting!

    I truly enjoyed reading it, you may be a
    great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and may come back
    later in life. I want to encourage that you continue your great job, have a nice
    holiday weekend!

  30. Excellent site! I truly love how it really is
    simple on my eyes and the articles or blog posts are well written. I am wondering how
    I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS
    which should do the trick! Have a terrific day!

  31. Hey There. I discovered your blog and this is an incredibly well written post.
    I’ll bookmark it and go back to discover more of your useful info.

    Thank you for the post. I’ll really come back.

  32. I simply want to mention I am very new to weblog and definitely loved this web blog. I’m probably going to bookmark your website. You absolutely have outstanding stories. Appreciate it for sharing your blog site.

  33. Good web site! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I might be notified when a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day!

  34. fantastic put up, very informative. I’m wondering why the other specialists of this sector do not realize this. You should continue your writing. I’m sure, you have a great reader base already!

  35. This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!

  36. I blog often and I really appreciate your information. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your site and keep checking for new details about once a week. I opted in for your Feed as well.|

  37. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate
    to this brilliant blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking
    and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to fresh
    updates and will share this website with my Facebook group.
    Chat soon!

  38. I absolutely love your site.. Very nice colors & theme.

    Did you build this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m planning to create my own site and want to know where you got this from or exactly what the theme is called.
    Appreciate it!

    1. I would recommend using WordPress! Thanks for reading my blog. Let me know if you have any more questions about creating a website.

  39. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!

  40. This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic posts. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!

  41. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.

  42. Hello I am so delighted I found your blog page, I really found you by accident, while I was researching on Bing for something else, Anyhow I
    am here now and would just like to say cheers for a fantastic post and a all round
    enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I
    don’t have time to browse it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to
    read a lot more, Please do keep up the superb job.

  43. Hi outstanding blog! Does running a blog similar to this
    take a large amount of work? I have no expertise in programming however I had
    been hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
    Anyways, should you have any suggestions or tips for
    new blog owners please share. I know this is off topic however I just wanted to ask.
    Kudos!

  44. Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles? Your content is excellent but
    with images and clips, this website could undeniably be one of the greatest in its
    field. Wonderful blog!

Leave a Reply to DeanXMalcolm Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *