The Japanese Art of Stone Appreciation: Suiseki and its use with Bonsai
Written by two leading experts in the field, The Japanese Art of Stone Appreciation is an exploration into the art of suiseki—small, naturally formed stones selected for their shape, balance, simplicity and tranquility. This concise introduction offers aesthetic guidance and direct practical advice. It details the essential characteristics of a high-quality suiseki, describing the various systems of stone classification and showing how to display a suiseki to its best advantage. There is also...
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Written by two leading experts in the field, The Japanese Art of Stone Appreciation is an exploration into the art of suiseki—small, naturally formed stones selected for their shape, balance, simplicity and tranquility. This concise introduction offers aesthetic guidance and direct practical advice. It details the essential characteristics of a high-quality suiseki, describing the various systems of stone classification and showing how to display a suiseki to its best advantage. There is also a section on incorporating suiseki with bonsai, the most popular and rewarding complement to a peaceful suiseki landscape.
List of Illustrations 4Acknowledgments 7Foreword 8Introduction 13Chapter 1 Historical Background 15Chapter 2 Characteristics and Aesthetic Qualities 24Suggestiveness 25Subdued Color 26Balance 27Wabi, Sabi, Shibui, and Yugen 28Chapter 3 Classification of Suiseki 31By Shape 31By Color 42By Surface Pattern 42By Place of Origin 45Combining Classification Systems 48Other Classificatory Terms 66Chapter 4 Displaying the Stone 67Choosing a Container 67Creating a Display Area 75Chapter 5 Suiseki with Bonsai and Other Related Arts 87General Considerations 87Rock Plantings 92Tray Landscapes 101Keto-Bonkei, Bonseki, and Hako-Niwa 112Chapter 6 Collecting Suiseki 132Collections and Exhibitions 132The Art of Collecting 133Commercial Markets 135Valuation 136Guide to Field Collecting 137Appendixes1 How to Make a Carved Wooden Base 1422 Suiseki Classification Systems 155Glossary-Index 157
