Re: Ornamental and Zen Architecture

[Sara Newman]

Hi Angela, 
I'm so glad you mentioned these two architectural styles! I know when I was younger I loved playing with sand zen gardens and zen buddah boards, and in some ways this was my first taste of Japanese architeture. I think that most people probably associate Japanese architecture most with paper walls and minimal furniture, so as you said, it interesteing that ornamental archiecture also plays such a big role. I can't think of any examples that I have of Japanese ornamental architecture outside of images of grand temples in Japan. I wonder if our students are familiar with either of these styles--either from buildings, items, or media. Do you cover architecture and art at all in your class? Is this something you might be able to bring into the history classroom as a visual aid?