Stone Garden

Artist Yoshida, Toshi (Japanese, 1911–1995)

Date1963

Mediumwoodblock print, ink and color on paper; self-carved

Dimensionsaiban

ClassificationsPrints

Markingsseal: Yoshida

Credit LineGift from the Judith and Paul A. Falcigno Collection

Terms

Object number2010.95

Label TextThis print depicts a section (on the far right) of the rectangular stone garden of Ryoan-ji (“Temple of the Dragon at Peace”; founded 1450) in Kyoto. Inspired by Chinese Zen paintings, this dry landscape garden ("kare-sansui") can be defined as an “artwork of the void” which is to be contemplated from a fixed vantage point. The garden is bordered by a long porch attached to the abbot’s quarters which can accommodate meditating monks seated in a row; it is also surrounded by low walls on three sides. As seen in this print, the wall behind the garden is stained by age with subtle brown and orange tones. The garden features five rock groupings: one group of five stones, two of three stones and two of two stones. The rock groupings (each surrounded by moss) are carefully distributed within the expanse of raked, white gravel that symbolizes water as well as the Buddhist concept of Emptiness. When looking at the garden from any angle (other than from above) only fourteen of the fifteen boulders are visible at one time. As consciousness turns inward and deepens into insight during meditation, the stones are experienced as part of a larger whole; it is said that when attaining enlightenment one is also able to view the fifteenth boulder.ProvenancePaul A. Falcigno and Judy Mansfield, Hamden, CT

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