Artistic Japanese Features for Gardens 
and Country Estates 
By F. MAUDE SMITH 
H OWEVER much we have cause to change our 
minds from time to time, regarding the Jap¬ 
anese people, never within the memory of 
even the oldest inhabitant, has there been a shadow 
of doubt as to their exquisite ideas in art. Their 
superb embroideries serve for everything from collar 
embellishments to wall panels. As for their skill 
with the brush, their figures are so lifelike as to have 
been prettily touched off as literally arising and walk¬ 
ing off the paper. 
Though fascinated with their landscape gardens 
in miniature the occidental regards such topiary 
efforts as mere curios or child’s play. Indeed, many 
children do try their hands at such effects, with no 
more space than a window sill box affords. 
Grown-ups, however, with more or less of the 
blessed earth at their command go in for broader 
schemes. 
l he stone lanterns are most frequently used 
of the real Japanese features. They are altogether 
fascinating, whether they be of the tall grace¬ 
ful, or low squat, form. These odd and interest¬ 
ing importations are set at such places in their 
grounds as require lights. It must, however, be 
admitted that some merely “erect” them as monu¬ 
ments to their money or vanity. Of course they 
may be hewn out of native stone. Very many, truly 
copied and praiseworthy, never saw the Flowery 
Kingdom, a sight just now as much desired as was 
GATEWAY IN BRICK, TILE AND IRON 
JAPANESE STONE LANTERN 
that of Paris when somebody, long ago, was 
moved to say, “See Paris and die.” But no 
longer are we content with seeing. There’s 
the desire to bring home, to utilize, and to 
make beautiful. 
For large estates, where various effects 
may be carried out, a stunning addition is 
the Japanese temple gate. Many fancy, at 
first hearing of this gate, that it is but a thin 
frame, little more than our own gateways. 
Not so, the temple gate in Japan is a two- 
story affair with a balcony around the upper 
story. It may serve as a mere shelter or as an 
outdoor sitting-room or studio of the most 
fascinating and seductive character. 1 he 
first floor is open, though in Japan great 
carved figures of terrifying gods guard it at 
each'end. There, too, the second story would 
be filled with the religious emblems that 
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