PED’s Takaya Kurimoto gave a talk on “Water in Japanese Gardens” at the Jay Heritage Center for the annual meeting of the Japan Society of Fairfield County (JSFC).
Water has been one of the most important elements of Japanese gardens. Even Japanese “dry” gardens have imaginary water. It is the catalyst for taking people to the spiritual world of the gardens. Takaya’s talk unfolded the various stories of Japanese gardens by focusing on the water.
It was a sold-out event. The audience enjoyed learning the wide range of meanings and applications of water while sitting in a beautiful room overlooking the estate’s ground and Long Island Sound (real water!).
The Jay Heritage Center has many historical references to Japanese culture. There was an orchard of cherry trees which are referenced in mid-19th century letters and sketches labeled “Cherry Hill.” JSFC, for which PED is a corporate member, is currently raising funds to dedicate cherry trees to re-establish the avenue of cherries there.
Through this talk, we are very happy to be able to help re-connecting Japanese culture and gardens with this historical place in Rye, New York.
