Discussion still rages whether the writings of Confucius (K'ung Fu-tzu; all transliterations come from Wang-Tsit Chan's A Sourcebook in Chinese Philosophy, Princeton, 1963) are philosophy, theology or both. Whatever. All is grist for the mill. What is quite certain is that the Sixth-Century BCE master developed the concept of humanity (jen), thus introducing humanism, and gave greater dignity to the concept of civil service (one wishes that modern US civil servants still obtained and offered such dignity).
Among the more revered figures in Confucian thought was the scholar. He embodied the concepts of jen, li (a word that means both "propriety" and "rituals"), and i ("justice," "morality"). These characteristics, and others, existed together within a harmonious whole in the Confucian ideal. No place mirrored the scholar's pursuit of these concepts more than did his study and garden. A magnificent example of the retreat for the gentleman can be found in New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art: the Astor Court.
One enters the Astor Court through a round opening called a "Moon Gate." After a second or two of reflection on the recently-deceased Mrs. Astor, one of the moving forces behind this exhibit, one proceeds into the garden. Splashing water from a pond tickles the ears; there are small koi to add some color. A pavilion with a roof common to Southern Chinese architecture stands next to the pond. The garden is planted with grasses and mosses. Large, weather-worn limestone pillars stand around the garden. Being almost certainly among the first "found objects" in art, they are almost protean in that every move of the viewer uncovers a new shape. The focal point of the Astor Court is a moon-viewing terrace and a scholar's den. The terrace was a place to meditate, view the moon, and entertain friends. The den contains a low table and several chests for storage, as well as mats for sitting. One can imagine ink stands ready for calligraphy practice and scrolls spread out on the table. While the scholar sat with his back to the outdoor, the better to facilitate contemplation, the garden was as much a part of the room as the storage chests.
The entire exhibit breathes tranquility. The retreat of the scholar, the gentleman, the servant of society, is timeless, changeless. As is contemplation.
In this room, set up as a museum piece, the scholar still teaches us. His presence is palpable within the constructions that he inhabited oh so long ago.
Among the more revered figures in Confucian thought was the scholar. He embodied the concepts of jen, li (a word that means both "propriety" and "rituals"), and i ("justice," "morality"). These characteristics, and others, existed together within a harmonious whole in the Confucian ideal. No place mirrored the scholar's pursuit of these concepts more than did his study and garden. A magnificent example of the retreat for the gentleman can be found in New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art: the Astor Court.
One enters the Astor Court through a round opening called a "Moon Gate." After a second or two of reflection on the recently-deceased Mrs. Astor, one of the moving forces behind this exhibit, one proceeds into the garden. Splashing water from a pond tickles the ears; there are small koi to add some color. A pavilion with a roof common to Southern Chinese architecture stands next to the pond. The garden is planted with grasses and mosses. Large, weather-worn limestone pillars stand around the garden. Being almost certainly among the first "found objects" in art, they are almost protean in that every move of the viewer uncovers a new shape. The focal point of the Astor Court is a moon-viewing terrace and a scholar's den. The terrace was a place to meditate, view the moon, and entertain friends. The den contains a low table and several chests for storage, as well as mats for sitting. One can imagine ink stands ready for calligraphy practice and scrolls spread out on the table. While the scholar sat with his back to the outdoor, the better to facilitate contemplation, the garden was as much a part of the room as the storage chests.
The entire exhibit breathes tranquility. The retreat of the scholar, the gentleman, the servant of society, is timeless, changeless. As is contemplation.
In this room, set up as a museum piece, the scholar still teaches us. His presence is palpable within the constructions that he inhabited oh so long ago.
Image credit: garden in Kowloon park, courtesy of www.aviewoncities.com
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