Monograph No. 6
Cultural History of Japanese Gardens of the Middle Ages(A Study on the Daijoin Garden)
Preface
Particulars on the Research of Daijoin Garden
The site of present day Nara Hotel is that of Daijoin Garden. None of the ancient buildings are in existence. The only remaining landmark is an old pond at the foot of the southern front of the hotel which stands on a hill (Asaka Hill). Consequently, it is impossible to recreate in your mind the ancient splendour described in the widely read ancient chronicles such as the Daijoin Jisha-Zojiki （大乗院寺社雑事記） or the drawings of the Four Seasons of Daijoin which we often come across. (See: plate 10, ill. 18)
However, upon examining various ancient documents such as the Zue Ruijusho （図絵類聚抄） in the possession of Kofukuji Temple (See: ill. 2-10), the documents in the Tenri Library (originally owned by Mr. Yasui) among which I came across on illustration in Highest Priest Jinson’s own hand as well as copies (See: plate 8 and 9) and documents (See: ill. 11-12) owned by Mr. Sukeyoshi Chidori （千鳥裕佶氏）, a shinto priest of Kasuga Shrine, and had a chance to study rich historical material. Through the kind courtesy of the owners of these documents, I had also a chance of copying the drawings. Moreover, as a result of measuring the topography of the historic site of Daijoin Temple in the past few years, I was able to figure out in detail the arrangement, scale and composition of the main structures and garden. (See: ill. 1).
The west side of the ancient site of Daijoin Temple faces the ground of Goshono-bamba. Running from North to South, the plaster wall 築地塀 (See: plate 7) is crossed by a road which is parallel to River Ohanadani (See: ill. 13). The southern side faces Katahara-machi, the eastern side faces the western boundary of private homes standing in line from North to South on the western side of the present high way, while the northern side reaches the southern bank of the waste land to the north of the hotel. Measurements made both by Highest Priest Jinson and that of present times are almost the same, as 49 jo is the result of Highest Priest Jinson’s measuring and 148.7 meters is the result of my surveying (See: ill. 1). Thus we come to the conclusion that the site of the ancient Daijoin Temple was 490 shaku from East to West, 920 shaku from North to South and covered an area of 15,000 tsubo. The pond which was one of the main features of the ancient garden covers an area of 1800 tsubo (approximately 2300 tsubo in 1879).
A historical study of Daijoin Temple, reflections on its restoration, evaluation of the man who designed it as well as on landscaping circles of mid-Muromachi Period and comparison of the ruins of Garden of the branch temples of Kofukuji Temple of Fujiwara and Kamakura Periods shall be discussed in the following five chapters. Furthermore, the last pages of this essay shall contain a compilation of such ancient documents as Joruriji Ryukiji （浄瑠璃寺流記事）, Uchiyama Eikyuji Okibumi （内山永久寺置文）.
Chapter I A Historical Study on Daijoin Temple
The land attached to the present Nara Hotel is the site of the garden and pond of ancient Daijoin Temple. It is generally believed that during mid-Muromachi Period, Highest Jinson entrusted Zenami, an autority on landscaping, to design the garden. Other people maintain that as the garden belonged to an older period, Highest Priest Jinson ordered re-landscaping of a Fujiwara Period garden. Both views, one from the point of documentation and the other from that of style, are deficient as research methods.
Being the residence of the Highest of Kofukuji Temple, Daijoin together with Ichijoin took turns as a family of high social standing which handled the affairs of Kofukuji Temple. According to Daijoin Jisha-Zojiki （大乗院寺社雑事記）, it was established by Ryuzen in the second year of Kanji (1088) on the site of Ryoge-in, one of the branch temples of former Kofukuji Temple (on the east side of Nara Public Procurators Office). Later, Raijitsu, a disciple of Ryuzen established a new branch of Kofukuji, on the site of Zenjo-in, one of the branch temples of Gangoji Temple, and completed its temples and towers and monastery by the second year of Eikyu (1114). Toward the end of Fujiwara Period, most of the structures belonging to Kofukuji were damaged as a result of the Revolt of Shigehira Taira. Then, Shin-en, the highest Priest of that time, determined te move his residence to Zenjo-in. During the Kamakura Period, Daijoin gradually recovered its former splendour and became a prosperous temple under Highest Priest Jishin. It is considered that there were numerous buildings such as Jorokudo （丈六堂）, Tenjikudo （天竺堂）, Octagonal two-storied stupa （八角多宝塔）, Shakado （釈迦堂）, Mirokudo 弥勒堂 Kannondo 觀音堂, as well as the Shinden which is indispensable for monastic life, and other structures. The majority of these buildings were lost in the Fire of October 14th, in the thind year of Hotoku (1451). The only remaining structures were Mirokudo, one of the two Stupas (later removed to Naka-no-in ‘probably at the site of prefecture ministry’) and the three gates on the western side. The Shinden undoubtedly perished in the fire.
According to Daijoin Jisha-Zojiki （大乗院寺社雑事記）, dated 25th of May, the third year of Kosei (1457), “Since the pond has been neglected in the past years, we decided to start digging and repairing it as of to-day”. After the Fire of the third year of Hotoku (1451), Tsuneno-gosho （常御所） was one of the first objectives of restoration work which was followed by that of the garden. It is worth noticing that the garden had already been in existence long before the third year of Kosei (1457). The diary tells us that having been devastated to the utmost, the garden was thoroughly cleaned.
The following are passages from the records on the reconstruction work of the garden. August 16th, the third year of Kosei, “started to dig the pond”; between October and November of the same year (the name of the era has been changed to Choroku), the diary reports on the transportation of stones; again, on July 13th of the fourth year of Kansei (1463), “Kawara Zenami completed his work. The Highest Priest gave detailed orders on the garden”, which shows that Zenami was especially called from Kyoto and consulted on the matter. How far back can we find records on the garden? Judging from the direction of the main temple of Daijoin (See: ill. 4), we can detect that the east corridor surrounding the main temple was located 4 jo from the pond while the western edge of the South Chumon-ro （南中廊）, nearly touched it. Thus the pillars of Tatejitomi （立蔀） stood in the pond. Judging from this fact, it is clear that the pond was not newly dug in the third year of Kosei but already had existed 60 years ago during the Muromachi Period. Being of a considerable size, the pond was close to the east side of the main temple. Restoration of the first year of Oei, was most probably the result of fire attacks caused by July Frictions of the second year of Shochu (1325) between Highest Priest Gakuson and his disciples and Highest Seishin and his disciples as well as the fire which occerred after the fifth year of Jo-wa (1349). Hence, the garden with the pond as its center was constructed in an earlier period. When the pond was under repair on April 1st, the 12th year of Bunsei (1480), the frame of a well was found at the well spring ‐ “To-day, we found a well spring in the east big pond. It was situated to the south-west of Naka-no-shima and was surrounded by a Chinese pine fence. The frame must belong to ancient times.” It goes without saying that the expression “must belong to ancient times” does not point to Kamakura Period but rather to Fujiwara Period or may be further back. Even unto this day, the water of this pond is not brought in from external fources but is a gushing subterranean spring. Consequently, Highest Priest Jinson writes in his diary that even during dry weather when other wells had run dry and people were unable to take a bath, this well always had a rich supply of water and thus enabled him to have his daily bath. Most probably, since time immemorial, there existed a Keito （渓頭） at the foot of Mt. Yuga （揄伽山） and Mt. Saiho-in （西方院山） (Asakayama, see ill. 15) whose abundant water had been artificially intercepted or else a natural reservoir like spring must have been used as a pond without too much trouble. Hence, we can surmise that the original pond dates back to the time after the moving of Daijoin Temple to the days of Raijitsu when the construction of stupa and temple was completed in the second year of Eikyu (1114).
Chapter II Reflections on the Restoration of Daijoin Temple
On studying ancient plans (See: ill. 9 & 10) of Daijoin Temple, one finds that in the early Edo Period, Daijoin and Highest Priest’s residence stood on the site of Zenjo-in Palace of mid-Muromachi Period, both structures standing somewhat to the north. Moreover, the Highest Priest’s residence is much bigger in scale and the arrangement of rooms is partly classic, while the garden was redesigned to suit the mode of living as well as the buildings. Both the Yagyu family (See: plate 10) and Nara Hotel (See: ill 18) are in possession of the painting by Ryu-on, the 15th Highest Priest of Daijoin, a Yamatoe-style painting in which he depicts the four seasons of the garden with a full view of its pavilion and the roofs of its main structures.
According to this painting, the main parts of the garden underwent little change since mid-Muromachi Period, though the part that is adjacent to the main structures has been greatly changed. Using this historical material, let us make a comparison. Firstly, the graceful border of the pond of the Fujiwara Period with its topography was left in the masterly hands of Zenami in whom Highest Priest Jinson had implicit trust. The western border of the pond has been enlarged. In completing it, a small island has been left within its waters. Stones of various shape were placed not only on the western border but even on each strategic spot of the east border of the pond. The fame of the beauty of the garden reached as far as Kyoto and has been the envy of Shogun Yoshimasa Ashikaga and high society of the time.
The intricate beauty of both the architecture and arrangement of rooms of the drawings of mid-Edo Period, show exquisite harmony created by further changes which add to the beauty of the pond. Compared to mid-Muromachi Period, the accentuated curves of the border of the pond adorned with stones, trees, bridges and lanterns are markedly Sukiya-style, rendering a sense of gaudiness.
After the Meiji Restoration, the scope of Daijoin has been greatly diminished as compared to that of Edo Period. In the 11th year of Meiji (1879) its entire floor space was reduced to a mere 42.5 tsubo. Moreover, Mr. Chidori bought it for \1873 from Mr. Matsuzono (See: ill. 11). At the time, the southern border of the pond had not been reclaimed and covered an area of 2300 tsubo (See: ill 12). The garden stones, most probably, must have been sold or carried away in recent years.
The hotel was built on hills (former site of buildings). In the early Meiji Era, the Ministry of Transportation purchased the garden from Mr. Chidori. Disregarding protests made by scholars and local people, the artificial hill on the eastern border of the lake (See: plate 6) was cut through by a driveway (municipal road Noborio-ji Kainozuka Line （登大路肘塚線） and converted into residential land (the site of the present Kasugano-so). The present hotel annex was built near the site of former Sugi Gosho (Cedar Palace, built in mid-Muromachi Period). The former Nishi Koike (small west pond) is a marsh, partly buried with cinders, while the tennis courts are in the vicinity of former Torin-in-dono （東林院殿） Palace (built in mid-Edo Period). It is most fortunate that excluding the southern border, the main part of the pond escaped fatal alterations unto this day. (However, it is most disturcing that recently, the National Railway Corporation chose this site for the purpose of building its official residences.)
Daijoin Garden of mid-Muromachi Period consisted of the vast expanse of a big pond in the east and the intricate borders of a small pond in the west. These two ponds intertwined. As shown in the reproduction of the drawing by Highest Priest Jinson (See: 8), the east pond was oblong in its shape, with two islets, one in the north and one in the south. The narrow inlet around its middle must have acted as a connecting link with the west pond. In other words, the present big east pond retains for the most part its original shape, while the small west pond extended from present tennis courts to the marsh on the southern side (being approximately 90.25 meters above sea level, it is a little below the surface of water). An oblong stretch of water 3-meter-wide at one end and 7-meter-long on the other lies between the east big pond and the marsh. These topographical indentations are part of the former connecting waterway that linked the ancient small west pond with the big east pond. The present bridge spanning these waters, most probably, is at the very same place as the ancient bridge (See: ill. 19).
On making further study of available records, we find that on 8th June 1487, Highest Priest Jinson writes “cleared the small pond in front of Mirokudo （弥勒堂）”. Looking from the site of Tsune-no-gosho （常御所） main temple (which was the site of Shinden of the pre-Oei Era), the Mirokudo （弥勒堂） is located to its west. While the Kaisho （会所） and Ku-no-ma （九間） is on the northern side of Tsune-no-gosho （常御所）. Thus, the site of the small pond is around the middle of its eastern facade. Hence, we come to the conclusion that the small pond was exactly on the site of the present marsh. By putting the present plan of Zenjo-in Palace (main temple of Oei-Era, Shinden before that and Tsune-no-gosho during the Bunmei-Era) reduced to the scale of the ancient plan, on top of the old plan, we can find definitely the relation between the old building and the garden (See: ill. 20).
Next, I should like to discuss the beauty of the big east pond and its surrounding grounds as a garden. From olden times, this pond had two islets, one in the north and one in the south (See: ill. 18). Among the five existing islets, the northern islet with its small shrine （小祠堂） and a clumsily built red lacquer bridge is the only one that remains in its original place. The remaining four islets did not exist and are considered to be an addition of the late Muromachi and mid-Edo Periods. Daijoin Jisha-Zojiki （大乗院寺社雑事記） dated 8 July 1588 reports “started to build the bridge on the north islet; to-day a carpenter was summoned; over 23 meter long from east to west.” Again, on 1st February of the next year, “the roof of the pavilion on the north island was thatched with cypress bark.” Thus we are able to know that the length of the bridge was over 23 meters and that the small pavilion on the bridge was thatched with express bark. The width of the pond is a mere 10.2 meters at the bridge. A raised mound of about the same width stretches on both sides of the roof. It is obvious that these are no ancient topographical landmarks. Excluding these, the length of the bridge is 19 meters. Furthermore, taking into consideration the indentation near the border of the pond, the entire length is 21.3 meters. Adding 1-meter-long bridge girders on both sides, the total length is over 23 meters, which is almost equivalent to the length of the original bridge. Thus, we can surmise that the topography of the north islet and its vicinity has not changed much. According to the drawings of the Four Seasons of Daijo-in, this bridge was, during the Edo Period, a bridge covered with a Kara-hafu Roof while that of the Muromachi Period was a simple arch bridge with railing and knobs of bridge post.
Next, I should like to discuss the sout hern islet and the vicissitudes of the southern border of the pond. As a factual background, we have documents which were formerly owned by Baron Matsuzono (the nowly adopted name of Highest Priest of Daijoin) who, in 1879, sold the most part of the perpetual household of Daijoin land. These documents contain drawings showing the shape of the pond, which prove that the north side of the pond had not changed much. Judging from the steep slopes, there was not much chance of making any drastic alterations on this side of the pond. On the other hand, the south side of the pond with its gentle slope and the fact that Kasugano-so land is protruding into former Daijoin ground, we can easily surmise that this part of the pond has recently been reclaimed, most probably on the south-east corner of the pond. It goes without saying that the three islets on the south east plate side were installed in the early Meiji Period (See: frontpiece 2 & 4.). We can easily detect that they are the result of modern reclaiming technique. Though on the controry, the islet on the south western corner is almost as high as the border of the pond (91.50-80 centimeters above sea level) and looks at a glance as one of the original islets. Daijoin Jisha-Zojiki （大乗院寺社雑事記） of 29 May 1490 reports that, “to-day the bridge to the south islet was completed. Its width is 6 shaku 5 sun and its length is 14 ken.” But the present south (west) islet is only 4 meters from the west border of the pond right by the site of Zenjo-in Palace. This is too short a lengthfor a bridge that was 14-ken-long in ancient times. As this part of the pond, like its north-west part, underwent little changes, it is most probable that the south islet was originally ar the north-west tip of the present site of Kasugano-so, a slightly elevated hill protruding like a promontopy. How then, was the land around the pond handled? A great variety of rocks adorn the west border of the pond, near the palace buildings. More stones are found on strategic spots on the opposite side of the pond. Thus, the entire effect is extremely stylized. The east side of the pond with its white sand and pine trees gives the impression of a pine grove. Looking from the palace building, one sees garden paths winding in three direction, east south and north, on the opposite side of the pond.
Among structures built for the purpose of viewing the garden, we find the main palace of Kaisho （会所） and Ku-no-ma （九間） built by the small west pond, the pavilion on the southern corner of the small west pond of Edo Period, the east Ku-no-ma （九間） of the Shinden and Torin-in-dono （東林院殿） Palace which is partly built over the pond. There are several small pavilions (there is a drawing of a small pavilion called Ikyo-kaku, in the landscape painting （真景図） and teahouses around the east pond, one in the vicinity of Tsune-no-gosho （常御所） on the west border of the pond and a cypress thatched small pavilion both on the north and south islets.
Yama-no-chaya is a small pavilion with a fine view, built on the north hill (the ground around Asaka Hill, the present site of the Hotel). It is one of the foremost specimens of garden architecture which in later years became extremely in fashion.
The Daijoin Garden, which originated in Muromachi Period, had its start as a garden with a few stones on the border of its pond. Stylized and colorful with its intricate rockery and shrubbery, garden structures and garden paths for the purpose of admiring the view, the Daijoin Garden of mid-Muromachi Period became one of the leading gardens of the time (See: ill. 21).
Chapter III The Men who Designed Daijoin Garden
It was considered customary that the Highest Priest of both Daijoin and Ichijoin Temples be chosen form members of the Fujiwara Family. We find among them such personages of noble lineage as Highest Priest Keishin. son of Tadamichi Fujiwara, Highest Priest Jishin, younger brother named Ryoen of Gokyogoku Yoshitsune, as well as Highest Priest Jinson, son of Kanera Ichijo. All of them were, without exception, highly educated and had refined tastes. Tadamichi Fujiwara is the planner of Kateura Villa （桂別業） as well as the Kujo Palace Garden. His son, Highest Priest Keishin designed the garden and pond of Joruri Temple, which in those days was called Nishiodawara Temple (See: plate 11, ill drawing 33). Yoshitsune Gokyogoku is the author of “Senzai-hisho” or “Sakuteiki” （作庭記） (a book on landscaping) which is in the possession of Mr. Shohei Tanimura of Kanazawa city and is according to Gunshoruiju （群書類従） by Hokiichi Hanawa, the author of one of the oldest and most authoritative books on landscaping (See: ill. 21). Highest Priest Jishin is the author of a Phrase that he read this book in the sumonn of 1289, which appears in the epilogue of this book (See: ill. 22).
In his book “Sekiso-orai” （尺素往来） Kanera Ichijo describes in minute detail how to design a garden ‐ “Landscaping should be handled like sea, like a river, like a lake, like a spring, like a swift running stream, like a stream among the rocks, like a narrow river, like a mountain, like a meadow, like a beach. Stones should be arranged like those in the sea and river, in the field and mountains, in the rushing waters etc. One should endeavour to copy local picturesque sights. Judging from identical wording, we can surmise that on writing his book Sekiso-orai （尺素往来）, Kanera Ichijo must have owned or read “Senzui Narabimi Yakei-no-zu” （山水并野形図） (owned by Maeda family) besides reading “Senzai-hisho”. Thus, we can see that Highest Priests of Ichijoin and Daijoin Temples had personally read “Senzai-hisho” （前栽秘抄） and were able to borron its secret technique. Hence, needless to say that early Daijoin Garden followed the teachings of “Senzai-hisho” （前栽秘抄） or “Sakuteiki” （作庭記）.
Daijoin Temple of Muromachi Period was little damaged by local powerful families. Consequently, its economic condition was stable. Even during the troubled times following the O-nin Revolution, when Kyoto was devastated, Highest Priests secluded themselves to Joju-in （成就院）(hermitage for the Highest Priest of Daijoin) and strived for preservation of culture.
It was in those days, after the Hotoku Fire, that Highest Priest Jinson invited Zenami from Kyoto for the purpose of reconstructing Tsune-no-gosho （常御所） of Zenjo-in Temple and repairing of its garden. At the time, Zenami was a leading authority on gardens. Starting as an artisan, Zenami was promoted to a high social position by Shogun Yoshimasa. Zenami specialized in small gardens in which he raised hills and dug ponds. As compared to landscaping on a grand scale, his was a miniature style. We can detect these characteristics in the rockery and arrangement of stones around the pond of Daijoin Temple. (See: plate 10, ill. 18).
Chapter IV Landscaping Circles After Mid-Muromachi Period
As shown above, Daijoin Garden took shape during Fujiwara Period. During mid-Muromachi Period, Jinson, Highest Priest of Daijoin Temple entrusted Zenami to make changes and keep it abreast of times by elaborating the border of the pond and adding decorative stones. In this chapter, I tried to make a detailed comparison between the gardens of mid-Muromachi Period and those of present day. In other words, to make a study of Highest Priest Jinson, who had ordered to change drastically Daijoin Garden as well as Zenami’s merit in this field. I also chose as my subject of study, Holy Priest Rennyo, designer of Honsenji （本泉寺） (See: plate 33-35; ill. 24-25); Futamata （二俣） in Kaga, the present Kanazawa city, and the south pavilion of Yamashina (Higashi yama-ward, Kyoto city, See: plate 36-38; ill. 26). Among other examples, we can find the ruins of Yudono （湯殿） Garden (See: plate 39-40; ill. 27), Suwa Mansion Garden (See: plate 41-42; ill. 28), the Asakura Family Residence as well the garden stones of Nan-yo-ji Temple ruins (plate 43-44) which are closely related to Daijoin. The topography and architecture of these gardens greatly differ from Daijoin. The only possible resemblance is in the drawings of the Four Seasons of Daijoin of Bunmei Period, in which the stylized gardens in the manner of Zenami reveal some of the characteristics of mid-Muromachi Period Gardens. However, Daijoin Garden is the very last work of Zenami. There is a great difference between its mature style almost rendered to simplicity itself and the majestic rock arrangement of Honsenji （本泉寺） Temple by Holy Priest Rennyo and the oppressive yet crude style of feudal lords depicted in the ruins of Asakura Residence of Ichijodani. Yet, we cannot help acknowledging that the gaiety and artifice belong to the same period. The relation between the garden and building of Taizoin of Myoshinji Temple in Kyoto (See: plate 45, ill. 16) being un changed, I made another comparison with Gangyoji Temple of Shimoichi-machi, Nara Prefecture (See: plate 45; ill. 32) and Fukudenji Temple of Omi-machi, Shiga prefecture (See: plate 45). As opposed to the gardens of Daijoin, Honsenji Temple （本泉寺） and Asakura Residence where the rocks follow topographical contours, those of Gangyoji and Fukudenji are characterized by the fact that the topography is governed by closely fitted rocks. It is a style alien to that of mid-Muromachi Period. Yet, on the other hand, we cannot deny the fact that in case of Daijoin, the relation between topography and architecture belongs to a period earlier than mid-Muromachi and late Muromachi periods. Still another point is the fact that among other gardens at the time Daijoin Garden had been rearranged, we could nor ignore the Higashiyama Garden built by Shogun Yoshimasa in his old age (See: plate 30-32; ill. 30). I made further study on landscaping activities of Yoshimasa and pointed out the fact that Higashiyama Palace is nothing but a copy of Saihoji (See: plate 27-29; ill. 29). In other words, I stressed the fact that the name Higashiyama Period given to the garden culture of mid-Muromachi Period disregards the earnest efforts of Highest Priest Jinson and Zenami as well as the efforts of Holy Priest Rennyo found in Echizen, Kaga and Yamashina and the valiant spirit of landscaping of Asakura Family.
Chapter V Ruins of the Gardens of Fujiwara and Kamakura Periods as seen in the Minor Temples attached to Kofukuji.
By stressing the importance of redecoration of Daijoin garden during the mid-Muromachi Period, I acknowledged its indispensability in the Mid-Muromachi Period History of Gardens. In the effort of finding out how far its origin goes back, I tried to compare it with the vestiges of Fujiwara and Kamakura periods found in minor temples sttached to Kofukuji. Vestiges of Fujiwara period gardens around the city of Kyoto are the Byodoin of Uji, Hokkongo-in （法金剛院） of Hanazono, the Toba Palace. Such vestiges extend as far as Muryoko-in （無量光院） and Kanjizai-o-in （観自在王院）, Motsuji （毛越寺） Hiraizumi in Ou District, while those of Kamakura Period are Eifukuji in Kamakura, the Ganjoju-in （願成就院） of Izu and Shomyoji of Musashi Kanagawa. Each of the above gardens is rectified by documentation and drawings and fully reveals the characteristic traits of the time. Eliminating the gardens that bear little relation, to Kofukuji Temple, I tried to make a direct comparison of minor temples between the Fujiwara and Kamakura periods. As a result of this study, I came to the conclusion that the main temple of Joruriji Temple was moved to its present site in 1156. Hence, it is only natural that there is a close resemblance between Daijoin and Garden which Highest Priest Keishin of Kofukuji rearranged in 1150. The shape of the pond, the arrangement of islets and the sparse stones around the border of the pond closely resemble those of Daijoin (See: plate 11-14; ill. 11-14). When Highest Priest Kampen （寛遍） constructed the Baku （鑁） pond, the islets and bridge of his Shingon Hall, the relation between the buildings and garden, especially the shape of Two storied Tower, closely resembled Daijoin (See: plate 16-18; ill. 34). Both the Zenjo-in Palace and its adjacent structures built by Yorizane the second Highest Priest of Daijoin and Uchiyama Eikyuji were built in the same year (1114). Among other structures, the Two storied Tower of Uchiyama Eikyuji is an exact replica of the tower of Daijoin while there is a close resemblance in the relation between the structures and gardens (See plate 19-26; ill. 35).
As shown above, the fact that the existence of such superior gardens even among minor temples under the jurisdiction of Kofukuji Temple is a proof of the fact that it is unthinkable that Daijoin, residence of the Highest Priest of Kofukuji Temple and headquarters of generations of Highest Priests should be utterly neglected. As a specimen of Senzai Hisho （前栽秘抄）, school of landscaping, the Daijoin dates back to the time than Yorizane, the second Highest Priest ordered its rebuilding in 1114.
Epillogue
As shown in the relief printing surveying map (ill. 1, 24, 27-36), though Daijoin Garden lost the stone structure of its pond and rockery which characterize a Japanese garden, the fact that we can detect to some extent the shape of its pond as well as the fact that we have access to numerous ancient documents and drawings enables us to compare them with actual topography. As a result, we can trace the changes through Fujiwara, Kamakura, mid-Muromachi, Edo, Meiji periods and unto this day. Conversely, by contrasting these documents, we can surmise how it looked when it first took shape during the Fujiwara period. We can also picture in our mind, the glory of Daijoin Garden between mid-Muromachi and mid-Edo periods, when by order of Highest Priest Jinson, Zenami endeavored to redesign it. Hence, it goes without saying that Daijoin Garden as well as other minor gardens in remote areas which appear in this comparative study are most important as vestiges of garden culture of the Middle Ages of Japan and should be preserved and appreciated for years to come.
昭和三十四年二月十五日 発行
奈良国立文化財研究所学報 第六冊
中世庭園文化史－大乗院庭園の研究－
