Thanks are firstly due to Japan’s legions of professional gardeners who lovingly maintain this precious heritage. Priests and monks at certain temples, called upon to perform much the same task, also act as the historical curators of these gardens. Although I did not always have the chance to witness them at work, I would like to express my gratitude to those I did meet and to their infinite patience in answering my queries.
My thanks also go to the staff of several Tokyo libraries, especially the Japan Foundation Library in Yotsuya. All the writers mentioned in the Bibliography have provided excellent models for book composition and, in some instances, introduced me to little-known gardens. If I had to single out for praise one book in particular, it would be Marc Peter Keene’s beautifully written and inspiring The Art of Setting Stones.
While my book could be considered an illustrated guide to stone gardens, its emphasis on basic principals and design concepts is intended to expand the viewer’s perspective and deepen an understanding and appreciation of these enduring works of art.
Last but not least, I am indebted to the editing and design team at Tuttle for their innovative suggestions and willingness, on occasions, to defer to my own judgment. As books like this should be, it was a true collaboration.
Worshipped for the presence of deities, sacred iwakura rocks like this one at Achi Shrine in Kurashiki, predate even Japan’s native Shinto religion.