In addition to the classificatory terms already noted, several specialized terms are used by Japanese collectors to classify particular types of stones.
BISEKI (lit., beautiful stones): These are not strictly suiseki, but are often displayed together with suiseki at exhibitions. Biseki are stones that have been carved or polished to enhance their beauty. Japanese collectors prefer stones that have been carved or polished to bring out an embedded flower pattern or to deepen the stone’s color. In contrast to suiseki, biseki do not have to have a suggestive shape (Fig. 59).
MEISEKI (lit., famous stones): This is the term used for suiseki or biseki that have become famous due to their outstanding qualities and beauty. Many of these stones have been passed down from generation to generation for several hundred years (see Fig. 3).
YURAISEKI (lit., historical stones): Suiseki or biseki that have been owned by famous historical persons or that are associated with notable historical events are called yuraiseki (see Figs. 4, 28).
REIHEKI (lit., steep cliff spirit): These are Chinese stones characterized by their sharp vertical lines, highly eroded surfaces, convoluted forms, and pass-through holes (see Fig. 2).