CHAPTER 3
Classification of Suiseki
Japanese collectors have traditionally used several systems to classify suiseki, including classification by shape, color, surface patterns, and place of origin. These are described below. For all major categories, the Japanese name is given in parentheses, followed by the term ishi or seki. Both of these terms mean “stone” or “stones” in Japanese. The Japanese name for a particular stone may also include the word gata, which is a general term meaning “shape” or “shaped.”
The most commonly used classification system divides suiseki into two major subclassifications, Scenic landscape stones and Object stones, according to the shape of the stone. Each subclassification is subdivided into further categories. Occasionally, a highly suggestive suiseki will fit into more than one category. In such cases the collector will classify the suiseki in the category that most clearly represents the shape of the stone.
Scenic landscape stones (Sansui kei-seki/Sansui keijo-seki)
Many collectors consider Scenic landscape stones to be the principal form of suiseki. Moreover, some collectors believe that the word suiseki may be a shortened form of sansui kei-seki (lit.: san, mountain; sui, water; kei, scenery; seki, stone). Under this heading there are twelve traditional categories.
Fig 9. Distant mountain stone suggesting a snow-capped mountain. Height: approx. 7 inches (18 cm.). Place of origin: United States (California).
1. MOUNTAIN STONES (Yamagataishi): Such stones resemble a single mountain or several mountains and peaks. Those with white patches or streaks are especially prized, since these markings suggest snow fields, rushing streams, or clouds. Mountain stones traditionally have an odd number of asymmetrical triangular peaks that vary in height and shape. Ideally, the steepness of the front and back sides of the stone will be different. Also, the peaks should not be in a straight line. Some suiseki collectors divide Mountain stones into several types according to the number of peaks: Single-peak stones (Koho-seki); Double-peak stones (Soho-seki); Triple-peak stones (Sampo-seki), a pattern that is rich in religious and philosophical connotations, having its origin in the ancient Chinese pictograph for mountain; and finally, Mountain-range stones (Rempo-seki). Within the Mountain-stone category, two subcategories are especially important.
(a) Distant mountain stones (Toyama-ishi/Enzan-seki): For most collectors, Distant mountain stones are the classic type of suiseki. Their soft contours suggest a mountain or mountain range as seen in the distance. The peak or peaks of the stone are preferably off-center and triangular (asymmetrical) in shape. All peaks should be unequal in height and shape. If the stone has more than one peak, the subordinate peaks should be lower than the main peak and should be located near the back and front sides of the stone. The rear peaks are ideally somewhat rounder and smoother than the others, while the front peaks have the deepest folds and the most roughly textured surfaces. The valleys between the peaks should be relatively shallow, permitting the eye to move effortlessly from one peak to the next (Figs. 9-12, 39; see Fig. 62).
Fig 10. Distant mountain stone suggesting a series of peaks. Place of origin: Japan.
Fig 11. Distant mountain stone suggesting a snow-capped mountain range. Height: approx. 9 inches (23 cm.). Place of origin: Japan (Kamogawa, Kyoto).
Fig 12. Distant mountain stone, an excellent specimen possessing the qualities of wabi, sabi, shibui, and yugen. Height: approx. 4½ inches (11 cm.). Place of origin: Japan (Kamuikotan, Hokkaido).
Fig 13. Near-view mountain stone with three principal peaks. The wooden insets at each end of the base enhance the feeling of stability. Place of origin: Japan.
(b) Near-view mountain stones (Kinzan-seki): These stones present a close-up view of a jagged mountain or mountain range with rough rugged contours, sheer walls, and towering spires (Figs. 13, 40).
2. WATERFALL STONES (Taki-ishi): Such stones resemble a mountain bearing one or more waterfalls. A waterfall is suggested by a vertical streak of quartz, calcite, limestone, or other white or translucent mineral. If the addition of a waterfall can improve the stone’s appearance, some suiseki dealers and collectors will create an artificial waterfall using white pigment or epoxy glue. The most admired Waterfall stones are traditionally black or dark gray in color, with the waterfall appearing only on the front side of the stone. Within this category, there are three subcategories which are especially important.
(a) Thread-waterfall stones (Itodaki-ishi): Here the waterfall is suggested by one or more thin threadlike waterfalls that run down the front side of the stone (Fig. 41).
(b) Sheet-waterfall stones (Nunodaki-ishi): Here the waterfall is suggested by one or more broad waterfalls that run down the front side of the stone (Fig. 42).
(c) Dry waterfall stones (Karedaki-ishi): These stones suggest a waterfall that has dried up. No water is visible; instead the waterfall is suggested by the shape and folds of the stone (Fig. 43).
Fig 14. Mountain-stream stone. Place of origin: Japan. (The placement in the suiban could be improved by burying the stone more deeply in the sand.)
3. MOUNTAIN-STREAM STONES (Keiryu-seki): These stones suggest a mountain stream, creek, or river rushing through a gorge, ravine, valley, or gully. The stream is often suggested by a white or translucent mineral vein that ideally runs diagonally across the stone (not directly from back to front). Occasionally the stream is hidden, with its presence suggested by folds, fissures, and other characteristics of the stone. The distinction between a Mountain-stream stone and a Waterfall stone is not always clear, since the source of the stream may be a waterfall (Figs. 14, 44).
4. PLATEAU STONES (Dan-seki/Dan-ishi): These stones suggest a terraced hillside or a series of flat plateaus or steps rising toward an imagined cliff. A traditional Plateau stone ideally has at least three steps (counting the upper surface of the stone as one step). The steps should vary in length, and the rise between each step should be sharp and straight or nearly vertical (Figs. 45, 46).
5. ISLAND STONES (Shimagata-ishi): Such stones resemble a solitary island rising out of the sea or floating in a quiet lake. Island stones are traditionally low in height and ideally have features that suggest coves or inlets. To suggest an island, the stones are almost always exhibited in a container filled with sand, water, or both. The distinction between Island stones and other suiseki is not always clear, since virtually any suiseki placed in a container filled with water can suggest an island (Fig. 15).
6. SLOPE STONES (Doha-seki/Doha-ishi): The lines and curving shapes of these stones suggest rolling hills, a river bank, or a slope rising gently toward a hill or softly contoured mountain (Figs. 16, 47).
Fig 15. Island stone. For some viewers this stone also suggests two hippopotamuses with their heads raised above water. The stone is exhibited in a bronze tray filled with water. Height: approx. 4 inches (10 cm.). Place of origin: Japan.
Fig 16. Slope stone. Height: approx. 1½ inches (4 cm.). Place of origin: Japan
(Setagawa, Shiga).
Fig 17. Sandbar stone. Height: approx. ¾ inch (2 cm.). Place of origin: Japan.
Fig 18, 19. Waterpool stones. Places of origin: Japan.
7. SHORE STONES (Isogata-ishi): These stones are generally shallow in depth and may suggest a rocky or wave-washed shoreline. Within this category there are two important subcategories.
(a) Reef stones (Araiso/Araiso-ishi): These stones suggest a jagged reef or shoal (Fig. 48).
(b) Sandbar stones (Hirasu/Hirasu-ishi): The soft and smooth lines of these stones suggest a shallow sandbar or the ripples of gentle waves breaking along a quiet beach (Fig. 17).
8. WATERPOOL STONES (Mizutamari-ishi): The shallow natural hollows or depressions in such stones suggest one or more quiet mountain pools, lakes, marshes, or ponds. When on display, the depressions are often filled with water. Waterpool stones with the pool encircled by one or more well-formed mountains are rare and tend to be highly prized by collectors (Figs. 18, 19, 49).
Fig 20. Coastal rock stone. The tray is filled only with water, allowing the design (suggested water lilies) on the tray’s inner surface to show through. Place of origin: Japan.
Fig 21. Cave stone. This stone has features that also suggest Tunnel and Island stones. Place of origin: United States (Mojave Desert, California).
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Fig 22. Shelter stone. Place of origin: Japan (Kamogawa, Kyoto)
Fig 23. Shelter stone. Height: approx. 4 inches (10 cm.). Place of origin: Japan (Ibigawa, Gifu).
9. COASTAL ROCK STONES (Iwagata-ishi): Such stones suggest a high, wind-swept rocky coastline; a tall, roughly shaped offshore rock; or a steep cliff at the end of a peninsula. Stones with white quartz, calcite, or limestone streaks or patches at their base are especially valuable, since these markings suggest waves breaking against the rocks (Fig. 20).
10. CAVE STONES (Dokutsu-ishi): The hollows and cavities in these stones resemble caves, caverns, or grottos. The cave is ideally suggested by a deep and dark cavity, the end of which cannot be seen. The most admired Cave stones are traditionally those where the cave slants sharply to the left or right (Fig. 21).
11. SHELTER STONES (Yadori/Amayadori): The concave shape of these stones suggests a shallow shelter or temporary refuge formed by an overhanging cliff. To be classified as a Shelter stone, the floor of the shelter should be at least partly visible. Since such a shelter might offer a mountain traveler refuge from the rain, these stones are sometimes referred to as Rain-shelter stones (Amayadori) (Figs. 22, 23, 50).
12. TUNNEL STONES (Domon-ishi): The hole or holes in these stones suggest a pass-through tunnel or natural arch. Traditionally, the tunnel passes completely through the stone (Figs. 51, 52).
Object stones (Keisho-seki)
The stones in this group typically resemble an object or subject closely associated with nature. Figures 24, 25, 53-56 show various examples. The finest stones do not exactly copy the object, but suggest it through a few subtle, simple lines and forms. There are eight traditional categories under this heading.
1. HOUSE-SHAPED STONES (Yagata-ishi): Such stones suggest different types of rustic houses. Thatched-hut stones (Kuzuyaishi), which resemble a thatched roof farmhouse, country cottage, or mountain hermitage, form an especially important category within this group. The stone ideally has an overhanging rounded or triangular roof and an eroded or recessed center (sometimes pillared). Thatched-hut stones with pillars holding up the roof tend to be highly valued.
2. BOAT-SHAPED STONES (Funagata-ishi): These stones resemble different types of boats, including wooden sailing ships, rowboats, and houseboats.
3. BRIDGE-SHAPED STONES (Hashi-ishi): These stones suggest a wooden or stone bridge.
4. ANIMAL-SHAPED STONES (Dobutsu-seki): Within this category a large number of animals, both real and legendary, are represented, including turtles (a symbol of long life), snakes, oxen, cows, dogs, horses, elephants, giraffes, mice, rabbits, cats, tigers, Chinese lions, sheep, monkeys, and dragons.
5. BIRD-SHAPED STONES (Torigata-ishi): A large number of birds are represented within this category, including cranes (a symbol of long life), herons, hawks, eagles, peacocks, ducks, sparrows, swallows, chicks, cocks, quail, and the legendary phoenix bird (a symbol of immortality).
6. INSECT-SHAPED STONES (Mushigata-ishi): Within this category some of the most popular subjects are butterflies, dragonflies, crickets, and grasshoppers.
7. FISH-SHAPED STONES (Uogata-ishi): Among the large number of fish represented within this category are carp, catfish, goldfish, and trout.
8. HUMAN-SHAPED STONES (Sugata-ishi/Jimbutsu-seki): Some of the most popular subjects for these stones are fishermen, farmers, maidens, Buddha, Kannon (the goddess of mercy), and Buddhist monks. Stones that suggest parts of the human body especially stones with sexual associations, are also prized by some collectors.
Fig 24. Boat stone. Height: approx. 2 inches (5 cm.). Place of origin: Japan
(Kurama, Kyoto).
Fig 25. Object stone suggesting a bear or monster. The white spot on the upper surface resembles an eye and contributes to the stone’s suggestive power. Height: approx. 10 inches (25 cm.). Place of origin: United States (California). (A larger stand would improve the display; the present one makes the stone appear unstable.)
In this system suiseki are classified by their color (Fig. 57). Color stones (Shikisai-seki) are set apart from other suiseki by their deep, subdued, and excellent color. The stone is appreciated both for its color and for what the color suggests, such as dawn, dusk, night, spring, summer, autumn, or winter. A suiseki will often be classified by its color if the color is the distinctive and predominant aesthetic feature of the stone. Good color is not, however, sufficient grounds for a stone to be classified as a suiseki. As discussed in Chapter 2, the stone must also be suggestive and must still meet certain minimum aesthetic standards. Within this classification there are several traditional subclassifications; these color subclassifications do not, however, exhaust all color possibilities for suiseki.
1. BLACK STONES (Kuro-ishi)
2. JET-BLACK STONES (Maguro-ishi)
3. RED STONES (Aka-ishi)
4. BLUE STONES (Ao-ishi)
5. PURPLE STONES (Murasaki-ishi)
6. GOLDEN-YELLOW STONES (Ogon-seki)
7. YELLOW-RED STONES (Kinko-seki)
8. FIVE-COLOR STONES (Goshiki-ishi/Goshiki-seki): The color of these stones is traditionally a mixture of red, yellow, and green (the basic colors) together with either gray, blue, purple, white, or black.
CLASSIFICATION BY SURFACE PATTERN
In this system suiseki are classified by their surface patterns. Pattern stones (Mon’yo-seki; sometimes Mon-seki) are set apart from other suiseki by the striking surface patterns formed by the stone’s textures, colors, lines, imbedded minerals, and other features. Japanese collectors have traditionally preferred patterns closely associated with nature. A stone will often be classified by its surface patterns if they form the distinctive aesthetic characteristic of the stone. As with color, an interesting pattern is not sufficient grounds for a stone to be classified as a suiseki. The stone must also be suggestive and meet certain aesthetic standards. The most common Pattern stones are listed below.
Fig 26. Chrysanthemum-pattern stone with the shape of a Coastal rock stone.
Place of origin: Japan (Neodani, Gifu).
Plant-pattern stones (Kigata-ishi)
The surface patterns on these stones resemble a plant or parts of a plant. Within this subclassification the following four categories are especially important.
1. FLOWER-PATTERN STONES (Hanagata-ishi): The surface patterns on these stones suggest different types of flowers. Two categories of Flower-pattern stones are particularly important in Japan.
(a) Chrysanthemum-pattern stones (Kikumon-seki/Kikka-seki/Kiku-ishi). The surface patterns on these stones suggest the radial design of the chrysanthemum flower (Fig. 26). Such stones are highly prized by Japanese collectors. Aside from the flower’s intrinsic beauty, the chrysanthemum is a traditional Oriental symbol of immortality. The sixteen-petal chrysanthemum flower is the crest of the Japanese imperial household. Many Japanese collectors feel that the best-quality chrysanthemum stones come from the Neodani area of Gifu prefecture. Neodani chrysanthemum-pattern stones are made of tuff and are typically black, brown, green, gray, or reddish-purple, with a red or white limestone chrysanthemum-pattern imbedded in the surface. (Fig. 58; see Fig. 86).
(b) Japanese plum-blossom-pattern stones (Baika-seki). The pattern on these stones resembles Japanese plum blossoms (Prunus mume, not to be confused with other species of plum or apricot).
2. FRUIT-PATTERN STONES (Migata-ishi): The surface markings on such stones suggest different types of fruit, including peaches, persimmons, pomegranates, chestnuts, and citrus fruits.
3. LEAF-PATTERN STONES (Hagata-ishi): The patterns on these stones suggest different types of leaves or tree foliage, including maple leaves and pine needles.
4. GRASS-PATTERN STONES (Kusagata-ishi): These stones bear a pattern which resembles different types of grasses, including bamboo and pampas grass.
Celestial pattern stones (Gensho-seki)
The surface patterns on these stones suggest different types of celestial objects. Within this subclassification, three categories are especially important.
1. MOON-PATTERN STONES (Tsukigata-ishi) (Fig. 60)
2. SUN-PATTERN STONES (Higata-ishi)
3. STAR-PATTERN STONES (Hoshigata-ishi) (Fig. 27): Stones with surface patterns that suggest the Milky Way are especially popular.
Weather-pattern stones (Tenko-seki)
The surface patterns on these stones suggest different types of weather conditions. Within this subclassification three categories are especially important.
1. RAIN-PATTERN STONES (Amagata-ishi)
2. SNOW-PATTERN STONES (Yukigata-ishi)
3. LIGHTNING-PATTERN STONES (Raiko-seki)
Abstract pattern stones (Chusho-seki)
The patterns on these stones are abstract in design, but often suggest a subject closely associated with nature. Within this subclassification four categories are especially important.
Fig 27. Star-pattern stone. The white marks on the stone suggest two bright stars. Height: approx. 5 inches (13 cm.). Place of origin: Japan.
1. TIGER-STRIPE-PATTERN STONES (Tora-ishi): The stripes on these stones—often formed by alternating strips of color (especially yellow, gray, brown, or black)—suggest the stripes of a tiger (Fig. 61).
2. TANGLED-NET-PATTERN STONES (Itomaki-ishi/Itogake-ishi): The crisscrossing straight lines on the surface of these stones—formed by mineral veins, fine cracks, or other features of the stone—often suggest a tangled fishing net.
3. PIT-MARK-PATTERN STONES (Sudachi): The surface of these stones is pockmarked with a large number of tiny pits or depressions. The pits look as if they were formed by small needles or by the action of particles of sand grinding into the stone.
4. SNAKE-PATTERN STONES (Jagure): The curving and winding patterns on the surface of these stones—formed by folds, furrows, mineral veins, and cracks—often suggest the writhing movements of a snake (Fig. 62).
CLASSIFICATION BY PLACE OF ORIGIN
Nearly all Japanese collectors classify suiseki by their place of origin; moreover, some Japanese collectors and books use only this system. Several locations in Japan are especially famous as suiseki collection sites, and stones collected from these areas tend to be highly prized (p. 65). It is not always possible, however, to document with absolute certainty a suiseki’s place of origin. Sometimes special qualities of the stone suggest the site from which it was collected. At other times only the person who found the stone can identify its place of origin. Listed below are the most significant Japanese suiseki classified within this system, together with a brief description of the suiseki’s distinctive qualities.
Kamogawa river stones (Kamogawa-ishi)
Found in or near the Kamogawa river in Kyoto prefecture, the classic Kamogawa river stone is a jet-black Distant mountain or Slope stone. The stone is characterized by an undulating surface that alternates between waxy smooth and granular (see Figs. 8, 11, 22). Two other well-known collection sites are also located in or near the Kamogawa river, and these are described below.
1. KURAMA STONES (Kurama-ishi): The typical Kurama stone is a brown, hard granite Island, Distant mountain, or Object stone. The surface is often roughly textured with iron-rust spots (see Fig. 24). Another type of Kurama stone is a gray or brown limestone Tangled-net-pattern stone, with the surface of the stone crisscrossed by quartz veins in high relief.
2. KIBUNE STONES (Kibune-ishi): The typical Kibune stone is a dark gray or reddish-purple Mountain, Waterfall, or Mountain-stream stone. Characteristically, the stone has deep indentations and a rough, uneven surface (see Figs. 42, 44).
Setagawa river stones (Setagawa-ishi)
Found in or near the Setagawa river in Shiga and Kyoto prefectures, the typical Setagawa river stone is a hard, black Mountain or Slope stone (see Fig. 16). The surface of the stone is alternately smooth and granular. Another type of Setagawa river stone is a Tiger-stripe-pattern stone made of hard clay-slate and quartzite.
Nachiguro stones (Nachiguro-ishi)
Found in the mountains of Mie prefecture, the typical Nachiguro stone is a hard, jet-black Mountain or Plateau stone made of clay-slate. The stone is characterized by its sheer walls and shiny surfaces (Fig. 63).
Kamuikotan stones (Kamuikotan-seki/Kamuikotan-ishi)
Found in the rivers and creeks of Hokkaido, the typical Kamuikotan stone is a shiny black or dark blue-green Mountain, Slope, or Plateau stone made of clay-slate. The surface of the stone is undulating, and alternates between smooth and granular (see Figs. 12, 46).
Sado red stones (Sado akadama-ishi)
Found in the mountains of Niigata prefecture, the typical Sado red stone is a hard Mountain or Island stone that is highly prized for its rich red, crimson, or scarlet color. The stone, frequently made of jasper, may contain touches of green, gray, or yellow and is often carved or polished to bring out the color (see Fig. 57).
Ibigawa river stones (Ibigawa-ishi)
Found in the rivers and creeks of Gifu prefecture, the typical Ibigawa river stone is a hard black, bluish-black, or gray Coastal rock, Island, Waterpool, Shelter, or Waterfall stone. The stone is often made of limestone and has an uneven, irregular shape with a rough, weathered, indented, and wrinkled surface (see Fig. 23).
Sajigawa river stones (Sajigawa-ishi).
Found in the rivers and creeks of Tottori prefecture, the typical Sajigawa river stone is very similar to the Ibigawa river stone described above (see Fig. 49).
Furuya stones (Furuya-ishi)
Found in the mountains of Wakayama prefecture, the typical Furuya stone is a hard black or black-gray limestone Mountain, Waterfall, Mountain-stream, or Coastal rock stone. The stone is characterized by deep indentations, a generally smooth surface, white mineral veins running vertically down the face of the stone, and by a white or gray-white band encircling the base. When the stone is displayed, the white band is traditionally left visible. In their natural state, most Furuya stones are a mix of soft and hard stone. The peak or peaks are typically found below ground, with the white band showing above ground. The soft stone between the peaks is removed with small chisels or files, after which the stone is buffed and polished with wire brushes and other tools (Fig. 64; see Figs. 30, 35, 41).
Seigaku stones (Seigaku-seki)
Found in the mountains of Shizuoka prefecture near the mouth of the Abegawa river, the typical Seigaku stone is very similar to the Furuya stone just described. One difference is that the Seigaku stone often has deeper indentations and a somewhat rougher shape. Because a Seigaku stone almost always has several peaks, many Japanese collectors use the term “Seigaku” as a general term for any Mountain stone resembling a mountain range (see Fig. 34).
Neodani stones (Neodani-ishi)
High-quality stones representing several categories can be found in the Neodani area of Gifu prefecture. The Neodani chrysanthemum-pattern stone is particularly valued by collectors. In fact, because of the special significance and rarity of these stones, in 1952 all public lands in the Neodani area were designated as a special national treasure by the Japanese government (see p. 43 and Figs. 26, 58, 86).
COMBINING CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS
Most Japanese collectors of suiseki label their stones using one or more of the classification systems already described. When all four systems are used (which is rare), the classificatory names are frequently listed in the following order: place of origin, surface pattern, color, and shape. After the last classificatory name, the poetic name is often indicated. To illustrate, a Japanese collector might give a suiseki the following name: Kamogawa river stone, Pitmark pattern, Jet-black, Distant mountain, Shangrila (Kamogawa-ishi, Sudachi, Maguro, Enzan, Togenkyo). Suiseki collectors in other countries generally assign less importance to the stone’s place of origin, and often list classificatory names in the following order: shape, color, surface pattern, place of origin, and poetic name.
Fig. 28. Distant mountain stone, “Sacred Mount Fuji.” The stone suggests a distant snow-capped mountain covered with mist and dotted with small caves. At one time this suiseki was owned by Uesugi Harunori (1751-1822), lord of the Yonezawa clan. Height: approx. 3 inches (8 cm.). Place of origin: Japan (Kimengawa, Yamagata).
Fig. 29. Sheet-waterfall stone, “Dragon’s Head.” Height: approx. 12 inches (30cm.). Place of origin: Japan (Iyo, Ehime).
Fig. 30. Near-view mountain stone with a waterfall. Height: approx. 6 inches (15 cm.). Place of origin: Japan (Furuya, Wakayama).
Fig. 31. Japanese garden stone suggesting the mythical Mount Shumi.
Fig. 32. Japanese garden stones suggesting Horai, the Taoist paradise.
Fig. 33. The Wedded Rocks at Futamigaura, Mie, Japan.
Fig. 34. Mountain stone suggesting a range of peaks, one of six suiseki in the collection of the U.S. National Arboretum. Height: approx. 4 inches (10 cm.). Place of origin: Japan (Seigaku, Shizuoka).
Fig. 35. Miniature Coastal rock stone. Height: approx. 3 inches (8 cm.). Place of origin: Japan (Furuya, Wakayama).
Fig. 36. Close-up view of mountains of the Cascade Range in the United States (Washington). Refer to Figure 7.
Fig. 37. Object stone that elicits a variety of associations. From one perspective the suiseki suggests the head of an alligator, pelican, or dragon. From another angle it suggests the head of a young woman with her hair blowing in the wind. The stone can also be appreciated as an abstract form. Height: approx. 4 inches (10 cm.). Place of origin: United States (California).
Fig. 38. Distant mountain stone expressing the qualities of wabi, sabi, shibui, and yugen. It has been named “Mount Hakkai” because of its resemblance to that mountain in Niigata, Japan. The stone is one of six in the collection of the U.S. National Arboretum. Height: approx. 5½ inches. (14 cm.). Place of origin: Japan. (The placement of the suiseki could be refined by moving it off-center to the left of a slightly larger suiban).
Fig. 39. Distant mountain stone suggesting a mountain with a single peak. Height: approx. 4 inches (10 cm.). Place of origin: Japan.
Fig. 41. An excellent example of a Thread-waterfall stone. Height: approx. 3 inches
(8 cm.). Place of origin: Japan (Furuya, Wakayama).
Fig. 42. Sheet-waterfall stone. An exceptionally fine specimen with a divided waterfall. Height: approx. 4½ inches (11 cm.). Place of origin: Japan (Kibune, Kyoto).
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Fig. 40. Near-view mountain stone suggesting a jagged and steep mountain range. Height: approx. 7 inches (18 cm). Place of origin: United States (Mojave Desert, California).
Fig. 43. Dry waterfall stone. Height: approx. 9 inches (23 cm.). Place of origin: Japan. (A more refined placement of the stone would be off-center to the right side of the suiban.)
Fig. 44. Mountain-stream stone, one of six suiseki in the collection of the U.S. National Arboretum. Height: approx. 8 inches (20 cm.). Place of origin: Japan (Kibune, Kyoto).
Fig. 45. Plateau stone. A fine example of its type, having three steps that vary in length. Height: approx. 4 inches (10 cm.). Place of origin: Japan.
Fig. 46. Plateau stone. Note the fine black color. Height: approx. 4 inches (10 cm.). Place of origin: Japan (Kamuikotan, Hokkaido). (A deeper and darker dai with straighter legs would make the entire display more refined.)
Fig. 47. Slope stone. Height: approx. 3 inches (8 cm.). Place of origin: Japan.
Fig. 48. Reef stone. Height: approx. ¾ inch (2 cm.). Place of origin: Japan.
(A more refined placement of the stone would be off-center to the right side of a slightly larger suiban).
Fig. 49. Waterpool stone with several well-formed pools and caves, one of six suiseki in the collection of the U.S. National Arboretum. Height: approx. 7 inches (18 cm.). Place of origin: Japan (Sajigawa, Tottori).
Fig. 51. Tunnel stone. Place of origin: Japan.
Fig. 52. Tunnel stone. Height: approx. 7 inches (18 cm.). Place of origin: United States (California).
(Facing Page)
Fig. 50. A fine example of a Shelter stone. Height: approx. 10 inches (25 cm.).
Place of origin: United States (California. (Here, the dai extends too far beyond the stone and is thus distracting.)
Fig. 53. A well-formed Thatched-hut stone. Place of origin: Japan (A table half the height would produce a feeling of greater stability in this display.)
Fig. 54. Thatched-hut stone poetically named “Birthplace.” Place of origin: Japan. (A smaller table and a repositioning of the label to the side would improve the overall display.)
Fig. 55. Object stone. For some viewers the stone suggests an alligator. Place of origin: Japan.
Fig. 56. Object stone suggesting an animal, perhaps a rhinoceros or a dinosaur. Also, the pass-through tunnel in the center of the stone suggests a natural arch. Height of stone: approx. 4 inches (10 cm.). Place of origin: Japan.
Fig. 57. Red stone. Place of origin: Japan (Sado Is.).
Fig. 58. Neodani chrysanthemum-pattern stone with the shape of a Coastal rock stone, one of six suiseki in the collection of the U.S. National Arboretum. Height: approx. 10 inches (25 cm.). Place of origin: Japan (Neodani, Gifu).
Fig. 59. Biseki. A highly polished and carved Chrysanthemum-pattern stone. Place of origin: Japan.
Fig. 60. Moon-pattern stone. Height: approx. 2 inches (5 cm.). Place of origin: Japan.
Fig. 61. Tiger-stripe-pattern stone. Height: approx. 9 inches (23 cm.). Place of origin: Canada (British Columbia).
Fig. 62. Pit-marked Snake-pattern stone suggesting a distant mountain. The sinuous furrows in the center section and the pit marks along the side contribute to the stone’s textural beauty. Height: approx. 6½ inches (17 cm.). Place of origin: Japan (Tadamigawa, Fukushima).
Fig. 63. Nachiguro stone with the shape of a Distant mountain stone. Height: approx. 7 inches (18 cm.). Place of origin: Japan (Nachiguro, Wakayama).
Fig. 64. Furuya stone with the shape of a Coastal rock stone. Place of origin: Japan (Furuya, Wakayama). (A more refined placement of the stone would be off-center to the right side of the suiban. Further, the bright white sand is distracting and might be replaced with off-white or beige sand.)
Map of Japan showing major suiseki collection sites.