Roji

Roji (Japanese露 地, dt " deaf Covered Floor ") is the Japanese term for a specific form of the Japanese garden, by the invited guests to a tea ceremony teahouse (茶室, chashitsu ) arrive. The Roji - garden, among other works an atmosphere of simplicity ( wabi-sabi ) and freshness.

Development

Sen no Rikyū said to have been instrumental in the development of the Roji - garden. At its teahouse Myōki - to received the "Sleeves Brush pine " its name because of the reduced size of the garden. For his teahouse in Sakai he planned hedges to avoid the view of the inland sea, and only when a guest leaned over the tsukubai, he could have that look. Rikyū explained his design with a quote from Sogi. Kobori Enshū was also a leading expert.

Design elements

The Roji is normally divided into an outer and an inner garden, with a " machiai " (waiting shelter). Typical design elements include:

• The tsukubai, a pool of water for the symbolic cleaning of the guests before the actual tea ceremony;
• The toro, a stone lantern;
• Tobi ishi, leading through the garden stepping stones; and
• A garden gate, leaving by the guest through border all worldly things behind.

Conspicuous plantations are generally avoided in favor of moss, fern and evergreen plants, although Ume and Japanese maple are sometimes used.

Influences

According to Sadler of Roji is seen with its small size, the harmonious proportions and restrained subliminal as a model for Japanese atrium gardens.