Page 28 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2016Q1

The traditional evaluation for scholars’ rocks is Why and What (classification and appreciation, stone
culture in China).
according to the four criteria that have been in use His approach was that of a geologist, making clear
the classification according to source. Wax stones are
since Mi Fu (1051–1107): shou (thin), zhou (wrinkles), composed of silicate (SiO ). Not all wax stones are
2
yellow as the name suggests. There are also red, yellow,
lou (channels) and tou (holes). white, green, black and the combination of two colors,
red-yellow wax or other combinations. They are also
All three Ying stones above The lecture on Ying stones by Mr. Zhou Guo classified according their texture: frozen wax (similar
are placed on wood stands in Xin, chairman of the Guangdong Viewing Stone to frozen fat (translucent, similar to jade), glue wax
traditional Jiangnan or Suzhou Association, and the lecture on wax stones by Dr. Qiu (semi-translucent, appears moist), ice wax (texture
style. The stones at the left Zhili gave an insight to Chinese stone appreciation in like chalcedony with crystals in it, glass-like), fine
and middle have stands with
scrolling feet and high curved Guangdong province. grain wax (fine texture, opaque) and coarse-grained
legs elevating the stones. The Ying stone, also named Yingde stone, are found in wax. Mountain wax stones are found in the mountains,
stand of the stone at the right the North of Guangdong province in streams near water stones are harvested from rivers or sea and are
has protruding feet. Yingde city. These limestones are often veined with often in oval shape or as pebbles with smooth surfaces
Left; Ying stone resembling a calcite. They are jagged with holes and breakthroughs. and lustre. Soil stones are excavated from soil. They
traditional scholars’ rock with They are mostly grey and dark grey to black but they are varied in shape.
its overhanging top. can also be greenish grey, light green, red white and Wax stones are used indoor for decoration but also
Middle: The color of Ying stone
varies. Dark gray is preferred. yellow. The base is usually cut. They are used as gar- in landscape architecture as garden stones.
Right; The slender Ying stone den stones and inside for decoration as ornamental Wax stones have a long history and were first
rises upright from narrow feet stones. The traditional evaluation for scholars’ rocks documented in the 14th century (Ming dynasty).
to a wider “trunk” and “head” is according to the four criteria that have been in use Yellow wax stone culture is a type of viewing stone
resembling a figure or animal since Mi Fu (1051–1107): shou (thin), zhou (wrin- culture originating from Lingnan area. They were, and
kles), lou (channels) and tou (holes). The modern cri- still are admired for their color—yellow is the color of
teria for stone evaluation are: hardness, color, shape, soil and ancient Chinese emperor, a symbol of power.
patterns, tonality, stand, name, and origin. The price The appreciation of wax stones is a new trend in
doesn’t depend on the size but on the overall features Chinese stone culture where texture, color, pattern,
(shape, texture). shape and artistic conception are of importance.
In his lecture about Chinese Lingnan wax stones, About 300,000 people are collecting wax stones in
Dr. Qiu Zhili answered the questions of What China.
(material), When (historical retrospective), Where
and How (finding places, how they are harvested),

26 | BCI | January/February/March 2016