This foundational work on the history of Chinese and Japanese garden culture is richly illustrated and explores the emergence of gardens in connection with the respective philosophies and religions throughout the epochs of Chinese and Japanese history. The Japanese garden is characterized by an aesthetic understanding of nature, while the Chinese garden serves as a cosmic diagram with a life philosophy. The concepts of Yin and Yang, geomancy, and Feng Shui are explained in relation to China. For Japan, the book discusses the art of flower arrangement Ikebana, bonsai, and the tea ceremony. With its clear presentation and an extensive list of further reading, this book provides an ideal entry point for a wide readership to discover the world of Far Eastern gardens.