Page 16 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2017Q2

Stone is from the Kitakami River measuring 18 x 12 x 5.5 cm.

This natural stone has great patina and a wonderful thick skin texture. The stone measures 21 x 12 x 9 cm. and was
collected in the Tama River.

special character of our voices and our music. Japanese music is in a suiban or doban. By virtue of the soft lines, quiet stones often
above all a music of reticence, of atmosphere. When recorded, or reflect a distant mountain scene. The expansiveness of distance and
amplified by a loud speaker, the great part of its charm is lost. In space can best be captured through proper placement in a suiban
conversation, too, we prefer the soft voice, the understatement. Most or doban with ample margins on all sides. When the stone and tray
important of all are the pauses.” Transfer this aesthetic description are matched to a table, it creates a most naturalistic and imaginative
to viewing stones. A stone that causes one to pause and reflect, to be scene.
drawn in by its charm, is of great value. Its deep patina bespeaks a Quiet stones are best viewed when one takes the time to stop and
sheen of antiquity with many stories to tell. ponder, to let the stone speak to the senses. Sensory contemplation
Quiet stones seek to challenge the imagination, inviting the viewer is when one lets the stone reveal itself and when one allows oneself to
to complete the story. Though delicately understated and suggestive deeply consider the beauty revealed. A stone properly viewed causes
rather than explicit, these stones offer a deep sense of beauty. Covella one to pause and immerse oneself in a deep sense of wonder. Quiet
and Yoshimura in The Japanese Art of Stone Appreciation put it this stones provide the viewer this kind of pleasing opportunity.
way: “The beauty of a great suiseki often lies modestly below the In collecting and in viewing, do not rush past the less expressive
surface and must be uncovered by a discriminating eye. Drawing stones. Though subtle at first glance and understated in their
on each individuals’ unique experience and ability to go beyond simple modesty, these stones will draw one in over and over again.
literal facts, a single stone can evoke a variety of associations, Their tranquility promises serenity and a much-needed breath of
interpretations and responses.” contemplation.
This style of stone may be displayed in a wooden base that
compliments the stone; however, the stone may be best displayed

14 | BCI | April/May/June 2017