Where does the design of dry landscape rock gardening originate from

Quick answer：

The design of dry landscape rock gardening, known as 'kare-sansui' in Japanese, has its origins in Zen Buddhism. It emerged in Japan during the Muromachi period (1336-1573) as a form of meditative garden that mimicked natural landscapes using carefully arranged rocks, sand, and occasionally moss. This practice was heavily influenced by the principles of wabi-sabi, which emphasizes the beauty of imperfection and transience. The concept of kare-sansui gardening was also influenced by earlier Chinese landscape paintings and gardens.