![](https://mywikis-wiki-media.s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/samuraiwiki/Engakuji-garden.jpg)
One of the gardens at Engaku-ji, designed by Musô Soseki, and designated a Place of Scenic Beauty (meishô)
Musô Soseki was a Zen priest known for having founded a number of temples in Kamakura.
He first traveled to Kamakura from the capital in 1326. As head of Jôchiji, he founded Zuisen-in, now known as Zuisen-ji. After becoming the head of Engakuji, he left Kamakura for a time, founding Tenryû-ji, Saihô-ji, Shôkoku-ji[1], and other temples in the Kyoto area.
He was well-connected politically, interacting with the likes of Emperor Go-Daigo and members of the Hôjô and Ashikaga clans, and is also known as a skilled designer of gardens. He is particularly famous for the gardens at Zuisenji and Saihôji.
References
- "Musô Soseki." Kamakura-Burabura.com. Accessed 16 December 2009.
- ↑ Mason, Penelope. History of Japanese Art. Second Edition. Upper Saddle River NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005. p224.