DIY step-by-step instructions for creating a tabletop rock garden
An unusual decoration in the form of a rock garden on a table helps to diversify the usual interior of any room. The decor element has a Japanese accent, which allows you to set the appropriate style. It is possible to make jewelry with your own hands, following step-by-step instructions.
What is Karesansui
The geography, history and culture of Japan are largely reflected in the garden. A significant portion of the country's landscapes are mountains and oceans, so the miniature tabletop garden conveys this very setting. Called Karesansui, the quintessence of Japanese nature is reduced to mountains and oceans. In the literal sense, Karesansui translates to dry landscape or dry mountain water.
Initially, Karesansui was created as an outdoor garden in its own right. The first to develop its principles was the Japanese poet and monk Muso Soseki. He is the author of the famous rock garden of the Kyoto temple of Rean-ji, which has become a local landmark and attracts the eyes of many tourists from different countries.
The Japanese ornamental garden variety differs from the classic variety in that it lacks rows of lush trees, green lawns, and other standard attributes. There is also a lack of a wide variety of colors, and preference is given to a modest and even range of shades.
The idea of creating Karesansuya is directly related to the philosophy of Zen Buddhism. Forming a Japanese-style ornamental garden involves following the basic tenets of Zen Buddhism, which focus on reflection on one's life purpose, contemplation, and the path to enlightenment.
You should not consider Karesansui as just a decorative piece, as it has a deeper meaning. For the Japanese, such a garden represents a world apart, which each viewer is able to imagine in different ways, depending on the state of mind, thoughts and character. The main idea is an individual mental interpretation of a natural landscape, conveyed using individual symbols. For this reason, it is impossible to exactly repeat the execution of a garden already seen, as this violates the basic concept.
What elements does it consist of
The set of elements of a variety of table garden depends on individual preferences and requirements for the final result and appearance.
As a rule, for construction they use:
- small stones;
- sand or gravel;
- pebbles;
- mousse.
The final list of components is not limited by anything. Depending on the creative idea and the scale of the idea, you can use any additional elements that can decorate the composition and add a certain charm to it. Small plants, candles and decorative figurines are often used as a supplement.
Each of the constituent elements used in the creation of Japanese jewelry has its own meaning. Sand symbolizes the energy of time and a large number of opportunities that the world offers to each of us.The imitation of waves in the sand serves as a symbol of water, which attracts material wealth into the house. The symbolic meanings of the stones are constancy and serenity. If plants are used in Karesansuye, then they express the emotional and sensory components.
Most often, when decorating an ornamental garden, they use small bamboos, which personify the flexibility of solutions and readiness for new discoveries.
Thanks to its symbolism and originality, the compact zen garden has become one of the most popular indoor furniture for promoting relaxation and creating a harmonious environment. The characteristic features of Japanese composition are simplicity, minimalism and balance.
How to do it yourself
You can create a small artificial garden of stones yourself. To create a Japanese-style structure, you need to prepare the necessary components and follow a simple step-by-step instruction. In the workflow, it is allowed to be creative, especially when choosing the location of individual components.
What is necessary
To create a Japanese desktop garden, you will need a set of decorative elements, a container for creating a base, and improvised tools. The need to use improvised means arises if there is a desire to create a wavy texture on a sandy surface. You can simulate waves with a fork, kid's rake, or the back of the handle.
Work instructions
The process of creating a decorative composition in the Japanese style involves the sequential execution of a number of simple steps. To build Karesansui, you need:
- Decide on the shape.Most stone gardens are square and rectangular in shape, but if desired, you can make it round or resort to any arbitrary option.
- Select sizes. The small Karesansui, placed on a desk or shelf, creates a calmer and more peaceful environment. The large garden makes the interior of the room more lively and personifies the spirit of nature.
- Build the base. As an element that will serve as the lower part of the garden, you can use a box or a container with short sides. The need for sides is due to the use of bulk materials in the composition, which, in the absence of boundaries, will fall on the surface of the table and clutter the space.
- Fill in the first layer. Sand is poured onto the bottom of the prepared container and pebbles are laid out. You can also dilute the first layer with small stones, shells and other natural ingredients.
- Arrange the decor. Using large stones, moss and other decorative elements, they build a composition, focusing on their own creative ideas.
Making a composition with your own hands, you can show imagination and creative freedom. If necessary, you can look at ready-made solutions that will help you find inspiration and give new ideas for the implementation of the idea. When creating a Japanese decorative garden, asymmetry should be observed in order to convey the naturalness of natural landscapes.
A single composition can be used in the interior of a room, but more often they are installed in groups of three. The central position is occupied by a large garden, and smaller specimens are placed on either side.
Additional tips and tricks
When creating a Japanese table garden, a number of additional recommendations should be taken into account.Simple tips will help you avoid common mistakes, achieve a beautiful composition, and get the most out of the creative process:
- You can diversify the composition of the stones with the help of a small number of plants, which are optimal for succulents. Such plants do not need special temperature conditions and frequent watering, so they retain their appearance for a long time.
- You can use a decorative table garden to decorate any space, including a workplace and a recreation area. Karesansui will look appropriate in the office, bedroom, living room.
- When creating a composition, you should adhere to the principle of minimalism. The basic philosophy of the Japanese garden is to discover true beauty by mentally completing the unfinished.
- In the interior of an apartment or office, you can combine a stone composition with other decorative elements. The classic option is a combination with live plants. You can also complete the garden with a small candle, which will add even more peace and tranquility.
Following simple guidelines will help you easily create a decorative table garden in accordance with Japanese traditions and the philosophical principles of Zen Buddhism. The correct approach to the creation of Karesansuya will help to make it a symbol of contemplation, relaxation, observation and simultaneous activation of the work of consciousness.