This talk delves into the philosophical and cultural components of three Japanesestyle gardens in France: Monet’s garden in Giverny, Le Parc Oriental in Maulévrier (the largest Japanese garden in Europe), and the Japanese garden at the Albert Kahn Museum in Boulogne-Billancourt near Paris. Constructed during the height of Japonisme, between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, these gardens draw on the “stroll gardens with ponds” tradition in Japanese landscaping. These tranquil sanctuaries not only reflect the stylistic principles of Japanese garden design but also underscore the profound cross-cultural exchanges that influenced their creation. The lecture will explore how these gardens serve as a testament to the enduring appeal and adaptability of Japanese garden aesthetics, their role in fostering a deeper appreciation for nature, and their contribution to the cultural landscape of France. Aida Yuen Wong is Nathan Cummings and Robert B. and Beatrice C. Mayer Professor in Fine Arts and East Asian Studies as well as the Head of the Division of the Creative Arts at Brandeis University, Waltham MA. Among Prof. Wong’s research interests are Japanese gardens, East Asian calligraphy, Chinese fashion history, and Franco-Asian connections in modern art.
