Page 26 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2015Q3

This thematic display depicts one stone per suban; Four, they do not cut or alter
the story of the Korean Turtle their stones in any way. The order of the day is, “love
Ship that saved the Korean stones as they are or leave them where they lie.” When
Nation from the Japanese
Fleet in 1598. The Turtle Ship a Korean finds a stone, the first thing he should do is
was the first ironclad warship to drop it back to the ground to confirm its structural
in the world. It was designed integrity.
and built by Admiral Yi, who
used this ship to defeat several Jack: Is there a distinct Korean style or method of
larger Japanese fleets in the practice?
late 16th century. The final Chung: Yes, but it is not over the top, meaning not ac-
battle occurred in a strait just
off the coast of Jindo Island. ceptable, as some might suggest. Unwilling to alter the
Steve notes that Jindo Island, essence of his stone, a Korean celebrates its character
as can be seen in the pattern with personalized presentation, often carving a base
in the stone, is the place of his that augments the stone’s form, such as fitting a legs-
childhood home. and-head base to a turtle shell stone. “Distracting,” a
Collector/Exhibitor: American Japanese might say, “Unorthodox,” a Chinese might
Viewing Stone Resource say, “Unconcerned,” the Korean might reply, “The
Center the east (not hordes of invaders from the north or
Stone collected/named by west, as was often the case through Chinese history.) stone is nature’s already perfect work, but the vision
Steve Yong, 8” high, 10” wide. Japan was not aggressive at that time either. Korea and joy are mine.”
Korean Turtle Ship; 5” high, 6.5” was also known as the ‘Land of morning freshness,’ Jack: What advice do you have for beginners in gain-
wide. Modern bronze model for its countless mountain valleys filled with early day ing an insight into the myriad of points of view and
of the first armored warship in waterfall mist and ground fog. personal philosophies?
the world.
Jack: I am very surprised to learn that the story of Mi Chung: Let me quote the famous Korean Poet/stone
Fu figures so highly in Korean stone appreciation and collector Yoon Sun Do (1587-1671):
its practice. Why is this so? I have five close friends,
Chung: Even though he was often referred to as Water, Stone, the Pine Tree and Bamboo, and a
madman MI, he was a public servant, lauded painter rising moon in the east.
and writer and lover of stones. He was also a major Do I need more than this?
player in the art of calligraphy. His appreciation of Why on Earth do flowers bloom, only to fade
stones was so deep that he once addressed a particular away?
monolith as “Elder brother.” He penned a catalogue Why does green grass turn brown?
of ink stone types (extant) and a still-practiced I’ve mulled these changes over and over,
classification system for viewing stones. Koreans have But all that I see clearly, is what is not changing.
respect for Mi Fu and follow his stone rules of tu - Stone!
holes, joon - wrinkles, su - elegance, graceful, refined, And also poet/collector Cho Myun Ho, who sprayed
and soo- the quality of appearing slim, shapely. Hence, water on his stones to bring out their full character:
he was an inspiration to the early Korean collectors
of stones. When I look at you, my ‘Crystal Mountain’
I feel I’ve entered Heaven’s precincts
Jack: The Koreans acknowledge a few governing rules.
What are they? In other words, Korean style appreciation is more
about spontaneous interaction and embrace of spirit,
Eden: One, natural—no alteration/fabrication/ less about following rules.
forgery; Two, carry in the hands, 30-50 cm; Three,

24 | BCI | July/August/September 2015