CHEN Congzhou - Chinese Classical Gardens and Residences – serie

This book is a classic of theoretical writing on Chinese gardens by Tongji University Professor Chen Zongzhou, a well-known authority on Chinese gardens. Here, the author sets forth new and novel concepts in garden design and propounds a set of distinctive and penetrating ideas on the subject, including the arrangement of scenes, "in-motion" and "in-position" types of gardens, the handling of hills and water, the planning of buildings, and the laying out of flowers and trees. It elucidates the arrangement of gardens and shows how these relate to human sentiments, and how what is tangible in the garden relates to the intangible. With its unique style this book is not only a theoretical work of garden design, but also a work of rare literary value.This book is published both in Chinese and English. The Chinese version is first written in exquisite handwriting, using the traditional writing brush, then reproduced in photocopy. Included here are photographs of Suzhou Gardens and 32 plates of ancient Chinese garden designs which vividly complement the literature. The book will acquaint the reader with the art of Chinese garden design and will serve as a reference for modern garden designers and tourists. Text in English and Chinese.

The design and construction of traditional homes in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, are an important part of Chinese cultural heritage. They illustrate the wisdom of the craftsmen and builders, and reflect the social conditions and economic situation of the period. Through abundant archival illustrations and graphics, this book explores the historical background of Suzhou's traditional residences in detail, and explains their overall style and characteristics through targeted research and analysis. This is a valuable sources of information for those who study the history of architecture, residential buildings, and traditional Chinese culture.Text in English and Chinese.

Yangzhou, an historically important site in the Jiangsu province, is one of the most affluent cities in China. This book explores the historical background of Yangzhou gardens and traditional houses in detail, through architectural surveys that offer targeted research and analysis of garden and residential projects. From early on, Yangzhou underwent several economic booms and the rich material base provided great opportunities for its development in art and culture. The unique characteristics of Yangzhou gardens and houses are presented through a wealth of archival images, in addition to a text by the renowned Chinese academic Chen Congzhou.Text in English and Chinese.

This book explores the illustrious gardens in Suzhou as both an important page in the history of Chinese gardens, and as a place of recreation and cultivation for the people. Based on architectural surveys of Suzhou gardens and an analysis of Zhuozheng Yuan (the Humble Administrator's Garden) and Liuyuan (the Lingering Garden), this abundantly illustrated book presents the overall gardening characteristics and gardening skills of Jiangnan Garden. Included here are 196 rare archival images of actual gardens, echoed by Song lyrics and calligraphic writing, which provide a comprehensive interpretation of the art of traditional Chinese gardens in both form and shape. The essays are characterised by an urbane and elegant narrative style and occasional passages of lyric expression, and touch on the fields of history, architecture, literature, and painting. The finalised English version faithfully transmits the original meaning, making the whole book a wonderful reading experience.Text in English and Chinese.