How the Ancient Concept of âShakkeiâ Can Enhance the Beauty of Your Home The traditional East Asian design principle involves incorporating elements of a distant landscape, or âborrowed scenery,â into a garden setting. What do you see when you look out your window? Is there a mountain range in the distance or a glimpse of the ocean? Perhaps thereâs a city skyline or a particularly impressive tree. The ancient East Asian concept of shakkei, which translates to "borrowed landscape" or "borrowed scenery," can help facilitate a greater connection between your home and th...