Sunset in the Scholar's Garden, Staten Island, NYC

History
Traditional Chinese gardens go back almost 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty though most Scholar's Gardens date back to the more recent Ming and Qing dynasties.

A Scholar's Garden would have been built by a scholar or an administrator retiring from the emperor's court. It would have been an enclosed private garden always associated with a house which, in turn without its garden, would not have been considered whole.

This garden, designed and built by LAC, is enclosed by walls, a series of pavilions (eight in all), and covered walkways. These are all organized in an irregular manner to create in addition to the two major courtyards a series of six others of varying sizes.

The art of the Chinese garden is closely related to Chinese landscape painting - it is not a literal imitation of a natural landscape, but the capturing of its essence and spirit.

The parallel could be drawn to a Chinese hand scroll painting which as it unrolls, reveals a journey full of surprises and meditative pauses.

The enjoyment of the garden is both contemplative and sensual. It comes from making the most out of the experiences of everyday life, as such, architectural elements are always a part of a Scholar's Garden.

The painter's eye must be used to lay out the main architectural elements - the wall becomes the paper the rockery and plant are painted on. The structures playfully rise and fall, twist and turn and even "leave" the garden to take advantage of and even create a great variety of beautiful scenes.

To paraphrase the 15th century garden designer Ji Ching: "The garden is created by the human hand, but should appear as if created by heaven."

SUNSET IN THE SCHOLAR'S GARDEN
Thursday, July 15, 2010
7pm - 9pm
New York Chinese Scholar's Garden, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
1000 Richmond Terrace
Staten Island, NY 10301
phone (+1) 718 448 2500
e-mail: info@snug-harbor.org

Enjoy a summer evening in the luxurious, unique, and intimate setting of the internationally-acclaimed New York Chinese Scholar's Garden in a way that few have ever experienced. After a long day, watch the sun set amidst the beautiful surroundings of the garden with a drink in hand as you listen to some light mood-setting live music!

$35 per person ($40 at the door)
Includes: beer, wine, Chinese finger foods, and live music.
Purchase tickets online at www.ShowTix4U.com or call 718-425-3516.