Page:Japanese Gardens (Taylor).djvu/154

96 Japanese builds an imposing gateway, as he does for his temples, palaces, and important grounds and gardens, he usually puts a roof over it embodying these features.

Of course there are many gates that are gates only, not gateways; modest, absolutely in harmony with their surroundings, simple, and beautiful, though with every detail well worked out. I should like here to put in a little essay on the designs of hinges and bolts and gate fastenings alone, for they deserve it; but I fear that the gentle reader would find even my enthusiasm a cold thing compared with what the mere sight and close examination of these delicate little marvels can arouse. I will content myself, then, by saying that the metal fastenings of Japanese gates are veritable small poems in bronze and iron.

These adjuncts are naturally for wooden gates, which may be magnificent or plain as the case demands; but there are many other wooden gates without ornament except that given by the use of beautifully grained and weather-stained wood, and the exquisite joinery-work of their makers. Then there are countless styles made of bamboo, light and delicate, yet strong. I cannot remember ever seeing, in spite of the fact that the Japanese are the best metal workers in the world, any gates made wholly of bronze, brass, or iron, such as one observes wonderful examples of in Italy, France,