Zen Gardens: The Complete Works of Shunmyo Masuno, Japan's Leading Garden Designer

Japanese gardening is a wonderful art form that celebrates simplicity, creativity and nature. The work of Shunmyo Masuno, perhaps Japan's leading garden designer, is superbly showcased in this beautiful work. The photographs are both inspiring and gorgeously presented. Importantly, the text adds detail about the highlighted gardens that is enlightening and thoughful. As a Japanese garden enthusiast, this book has a special spot in my book collection. I highly recommend purchasing it.

This is one of the best books of garden landscape that I ever read. There is a lot in this book: introduction of Japanese gardens, small and big projects in traditional style, gardens in modern style, all created by Zen Master Shunmyo Masuno. Every garden in this book have a drawing plan and great pictures. Beautiful descriptions + interview +more...

Stunning 😍

Masuno is a master of his arts, gardening and Buddhism. Very pleasant and interesting window into a mind and work of a master. Highly recommended. His book on zen life is a must read too.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part of the book is focused on traditional gardens while the latter deals with more contemporary designs. Some of the work is reminescent of that of Mirei Shigemori but with somewhat greater emphasis on the stone and gravel hardscapes. Many of the 'gardens' are perhaps better described as architectural landscapes dominated by the extensive use of very large boulders and stone walls. This is not a book for those interested in creating their own gardens but is a useful library addition for those with broader interests in modern Japanese garden design.

This book provides me with a different perspective of Zen garden. A contemporary design of Zen garden incorporates with the traditional concept. Another good Japanese garden book for my collection

I feel that the writer compiler could have used the plan layouts more effectively i.e. used annotation/names on the garden sketches instead of trying to describe the layout of how one sub-garden leads to the next which is tiresome most times (a picture/sketch says a thousand words), possibly concentrating more on the designers thoughts and use of certain elements etc. Having said this, however this book is deeply provocative, and leaves me, a wanabee designer, in awe. I'd say this book is a must.

A must have/read for those interested in Japanese Gardens. Masuno creates both traditional and contemporary gardens of great beauty and peace.I only wish the book was much longer and there were more interviews of and quotes by this master.