The Garden Vault

06/24/2025

Visit our friends at Mills Archive Trust to see some interesting millstone history!
https://www.instagram.com/mills_archive/

12/18/2024

Some fresh inventory!

12/10/2024

Such an amazing image! It captures the essence of tranquility and peace.

What makes a Japanese garden unique is “Mitate”, metaphorical expressions. Stones can be used for metaphorical expressions of mountains, and sand can be water.

The original function of “Tsukubai” or a wash basin is washing hands before attending a tea ceremony. But washing hands in a Japanese garden also means purifying yourself, physically and mentally.

It’s always interesting to imagine what an object in Japanese garden means. The picture above shows Tsukubai in Shisendo, Kyoto.

12/10/2024

This is a Tsukubai (water basin) which belongs to the garden of Sanzenin in Kyoto.

Tsukubai was originally used for the tea ceremony, and the guests are supposed to purify themselves before attending a ceremony. It’s one of the most common items used for Japanese gardens.

I wish I had a Tsukubai at my place in Paris when it’s as hot as today (34 degrees!) 🥵
Photo: bobthemagicdragon

12/10/2024

Reflect, respect and appreciation

This is a Tsukubai (water basin) which belongs to the garden of Sanzenin in Kyoto.

Tsukubai was originally used for the tea ceremony, and the guests are supposed to purify themselves before attending a ceremony. It’s one of the most common items used for Japanese gardens.

I wish I had a Tsukubai at my place in Paris when it’s as hot as today (34 degrees!) 🥵
Photo: bobthemagicdragon

12/10/2024

Water features are so important to any garden!

08/08/2024

sallyblambert
Excellent application of our stone grinding rollers! Planted halfway down to act as a decorative stone bollard.

07/25/2024

Beautiful!

The details matter in Japanese gardens, and Aman Kyoto is a good example where all the details have been carefully designed by a garden master.

It was featured in the chapter 3 of our new book “Modern Japanese gardens”. The picture shows a “descending water basin” or “Oritsukubai”installed lower than the ground level of the garden, enabling water to drain away.

Photo: Shinichi Sato

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Our book “Modern Japanese gardens” released ACC Art Books is available worldwide, including Amazon, Berns & Noble, Waterstones, and many other stores carrying English books. Check your nearest bookstore if you are interested.

03/19/2024