03/07/2014
Chinese Garden at Huntington Library
(Opening this SATURDAY! March 8th)
Clear and Transcendent pavilion (Qing Yue Tai 清越臺)
This intricately designed pavilion with an elegant roof structure is located on the north bank of the Lake of Reflected Fragrance. Its open sides are designed as a stage for music and other performances. To the south, the pavilion faces the lake. To the north, it ultimately will overlook the Court of Assembled Worthies, capable of seating 350 people for performances and other events. The simple name Clear and Transcendent evokes the crystal pureness of music gently floating over the water, permeating the other structures around the lake.
Lingering Clouds Peak rock grotto (Liu Yun Xiu 留雲岫)
This rockery of tai hu rocks, a limestone imported from the Lake Tai region of China, is called Lingering Clouds Peak and takes its name from the grotto in the elegant Lingering Garden, Liu Yuan 留園, in Suzhou. Situated on the northwest side of the lake, Lingering Clouds Peak is an essential element in a Chinese garden: Rocks, which represent ever-lasting strength, are complemented by the garden’s water, which is ever-changing. Rocks and mountains represent stability and endurance in both Daoist and Confucian thought.
Waveless Boat pavilion (Bu Bo Xiao Ting 不波小艇)
This boat-shaped pavilion, just south of Lingering Clouds Peak on the west side of the Lake of Reflected Fragrance, provides a scenic view of the pavilions and bridges in all directions across the lake. The name recalls a similar pavilion in the Verdant Mountain Villa, Yongcui Shanzhuang 擁翠山荘, a historic garden in Suzhou. The word “Waveless,” or bubo, is often used in literature to describe a serene atmosphere—a boat gliding effortlessly over the water. This pavilion can flexibly be used for intimate gatherings and educational activities.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: High-resolution digital images available on request for publicity use.]