壽石Korean 奇石Chinese 水石Japanese
Viewing Stones are unique natural stones, picked from among the many for their ability to attract our attention and capture our imagination. They are presented for display in a special way – usually on a wooden base or in a ceramic tray. This art form began many centuries ago in China, spread to Japan and Korea, and is recently gaining popularity world-wide. Shape, texture, color, and general appeal are the deciding factors when choosing stones. Sizes may range from less than an inch up to very large. There are several types of stone art associated with Viewing Stones. Each one is as complex and rich as the cultures who originated them. More detailed information on each form is available from many sources, but here are some simple, brief descriptions:
Suseok(su – living & spirit, seok – stone) is most valued gem in existence to many Koreans. Suseok, literally old and aged stones, is a rock that carries the essence of nature within it’s form. It may be merely a piece of pebble, but it wears the smile(means making us happy, but you’re able to take a look the real smile of suseok the only case in the world as you see this page), voice,art and thinking of Nature. (qi -strange, shi- stone) is the Chinese art of natural stone displays. Before the 20th century, used for both garden and studio rocks.
Qishi (qi -strange, shi- stone) is the Chinese art of natural stone displays. Before the 20th century, used for both garden and studio rocks.
Suiseki (sui – water, seki – stone) is the Japanese art of displaying natural stones, usually in a suiban (ceramic container), doban (bronze container) or on a stand made of ‘noble wood’. They can be classified by one or a combination of the following: shape, texture, color, surface patterns, or place of origin.
