Question

What is the plan of Ryoan-ji? (A) Kyoto, Japan (B) Muromachi Period, Japan (C) 1450 C.E.; current design 1750 (D) Rock garden

1) Kyoto, Japan
2) Muromachi Period, Japan
3) 1450 C.E.; current design 1750
4) Rock garden

Answer 1

Option (1), Ryoan-ji Temple is a Zen temple in Kyoto, Japan, known for its iconic rock garden, established around 1750 C.E. during the Muromachi Period.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Ryoan-ji Temple is a significant cultural site located in Kyoto, Japan. While it is a product of the Muromachi Period, the temple's current rock garden design was established around 1750 C.E. Ryoan-ji exemplifies the Zen aesthetic of minimalism and simplicity, with its rock garden being one of the finest examples of karesansui, or dry landscape.

The Muromachi Period in Japan, which preceded the Momoyama Period, was characterized by more sedate religious themes against the opulent secular themes that emerged later. Ryoan-ji, with its serene and contemplative space, is a departure from the large-scale grandeur that was prevalent during the Momoyama Period. Understanding the plan of Ryoan-ji provides insight into the cultural and aesthetic shifts in Japanese history and illustrates the sustained influence of Zen Buddhism on art and architecture.