10th February, 2001
Landscape Gardeners; Limestone Rocks Form Cavern. Pruned Bonsai And Goldfish Shoals: Carved Ivory Dragon Boats; Lacquered Panels With Pine Trees
August, 1987
The landscape gardeners of China have an historic reputation. Yu Yuan was a perfect example of the skills of the Chinese landscape gardeners, where they created the illusion of mountains, gorges, lakes and caverns in a thimble full of space. The limestone rocks were embellished with lichens and mosses, and the trees, pruned and trained like oversize bonsai, provided dappled shade to enhance the remarkable features of the garden.The undulating bodies of black dragons crept along the tops of walls, protecting the Mandarin, in years past, as he walked through moongates and pavilions. In a lake stood the stilted teahouse with its upturned eaves and beneath the balcony,
 shoals of goldfish gathered to catch the titbits thrown to them by the people above.
In many ways, the Tea House was in keeping with the story of the Willow Pattern, with its ancient features of upturned eaves, curved roof tiles and pointed finials, in stark contrast to the exhibition hall we visited, a gift from the Russian Government. Here was an imposing portico with decorated columns; a building with an ornamental facade and three towered roof, then from the lobby a red carpeted flight of steps led up to the first floor. Displayed in several glass cabinets were priceless composite carvings in ivory, of Dragon Boats; Maidens in flowing gowns, with their entourage of attendants; a rising layer of figurines topped with a decorative orb; a three quarter curved composition also mounted with a decorative orb, showing a bearded sage and part of a pavilion. The carvings were in exquisite detail and it would be difficult to even guess the number of hours the craftsmen had spent in creating such masterpieces. Also on display were lacquered panels and screens depicting scenes with mandarins and maidens, zigzag bridges and willows, pine trees and pavilions, and white feathered cranes. It mattered not whether the subjects of the exhibits were representations of history or legend, for their beauty was there for everyone to enjoy, and displayed the skill and patience of the artists and craftsmen. Another feast of beauty would be waiting for us at Suzhou, which was our next stop.
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