4 replies to this topic

[snowybeagle]

Most books and shows presented traditional Japanese architecture and interior designs as elegant Zen-minimalist, with usually two main stark colour tones of black and white.

In contrast, traditional Chinese designs, for the more affluent, tended to be ostentatious, regal, a large assortments of loud colours.

Traditional Korean is presented is somewhat a blend of the two.

However, Zen originated from China, and the influence of its philosophy on architecture and design did have its first roots in China and must have been embraced before, if not today.

However, I am unable to find much by way of example of such elegant Zen/minimalist designs in historical Chinese buildings.

Does anyone know where they can be found?

[Mok]

Most books and shows presented traditional Japanese architecture and interior designs as elegant Zen-minimalist, with usually two main stark colour tones of black and white.

In contrast, traditional Chinese designs, for the more affluent, tended to be ostentatious, regal, a large assortments of loud colours.

Traditional Korean is presented is somewhat a blend of the two.

However, Zen originated from China, and the influence of its philosophy on architecture and design did have its first roots in China and must have been embraced before, if not today.

However, I am unable to find much by way of example of such elegant Zen/minimalist designs in historical Chinese buildings.

Does anyone know where they can be found?

In our National Libraries, bro. I've found not a few books on Chinese architecture and interior designs, which go by dynasty. Ming, especially, tends to have that coveted Minimalist look. Try Sengkang. If you don't mind, the next time I spot such books, I'll give you a heads-up as to library branch and book title.

Mok

[snowybeagle]

Thanks Mok. Will appreciate it.

[Mok]

Thanks Mok. Will appreciate it.

You're most welcome.

Mok

[General_Zhaoyun]

However, Zen originated from China, and the influence of its philosophy on architecture and design did have its first roots in China and must have been embraced before, if not today.

However, I am unable to find much by way of example of such elegant Zen/minimalist designs in historical Chinese buildings.

Does anyone know where they can be found?

In terms of chinese chan 禅 (Japanese: zen) architecture, you might be interested to look into Zen elements in Chinese Buddhist (Chan) temples/monastery (in China), e.g. Shaolin temple (which is a Chan buddhist temple). Also try the book
"中国江南禅宗寺院建筑" (Chinese Jiangnan Chan Monastery architecture) written by Zhang Shiqing 张十庆. See http://www.toopoo.co...351-3333-9.html.

You might also want to look into the Chan (zen) elements in Chinese Garden. "Lion Forest-Garden 狮子林", one of the 4 famous Suzhou gardens, is a garden having chan buddhist theme. See
http://zhidao.baidu....44931.html?si=3