Page 38 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2014Q2

Both Kemin Hu and Tom Elias identify the attributes of collected
stones that were, historically, most highly prized. The collection is heavily
weighted toward the varieties of stone of the greatest historical impor-
tance—Lingbi, Taihu, Ying, and Kun stones. Many other stone varieties are
included—some of which were collected in modern times. It is interesting
to note that these may be measured with different aesthetic yardsticks than
the classic stones. The plates depicting the stones are presented without an-
notation to invite the unhurried, meditative contemplation of the stones. A
section of captions follow the plates. These include a poetic name for each
stone and details of a stone’s type, dimensions, origin, and description and
cultural relevance. The captions are not cursory—they present a wealth of
information. Together with the essays they present a superb first course
in the appreciation of the great richness of viewing stones. I found the
poetic names and captions authored by Kemin Hu very engaging. “Danc-
ing Dragon Rivals”, “Little Miraculous Peak of Song”, and “the Romance
of Mountain and Moon” are amongst those that I find to be most poetic.
In conversation with Kemin, however, I discovered that she is sometimes
reluctant to supply names as they may serve to constrain the impressions
and emotions evoked by pure personal reaction to the stone. The stones are
to be experienced, the power within them sensed, and a unique response
constructed. Collectively, the poetic names do place the collection in a
cultural milieu that educates as well as engages. I did find myself agreeing
with Kemin and think that the presentation of the images by themselves
with the captions presented in a following section is ideal.
The stones. The cover stone is a completely natural Taihu stone with
the poetic name: “Cloud of Peculiarity.” In this case, the name derives

Top left; Portrait of Kemin Hu
with painting of her father
in the background. Taken by
Jonathan Singer.
Top right; Dr. Thomas Elias.
Dr. Elias is retired director
of the United States Bonsai
and Penjing Museum and
a distinguished scholar and
author. His expertise and
enthusiasm for viewing stones
have motivated him to found
The Viewing Stone Association
of North America (vsana.org).
Middle left; Jonathan Singer
shooting an image for this
book. A red background was
used for the duotone images
to reduce reflectance and
enhance resolution and depth
of field and to allow the shape
and texture of the stones to
emerge.
Bottom; Figure 3: Lingbi stone:
“Xiang Zijing’s Yanshan”

36 | BCI | April/May/June 2014