Page 45 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2018Q1

he AIAS (Associazione Italiana Amatori
Suiseki) was established in April 1997. It
is associated with the European Suiseki
Association (ESA). AIAS has 76 mem-
Tbers (in 2017). Among this small number
of stone enthusiasts are some very active members
who invest much of their time to advance the cause of
stone appreciation. One of those is Luciana Queirolo,
president and editor of the quarterly newsletter of the
association. She also publishes the catalogue of the an-
nual congress which includes: the history of the host-
ing bonsai club; a description of the venue; pictures
of the display at the show and of each stone in show
with photo and information about the owners; an
introduction of the judges for the competition; and,
the theme of presentations/lectures held on occasion
of the convention. The stones on exhibit are divided
into the following categories: landscape stones; ob-
ject stones; surface pattern and color stones; multiple
stones on shelves; and biseki, stones to admire (stones
for contemplation). Three prizes are given for each
category.
Recently, there were discussions among the AIAS
members about the scope of their exhibit. Should only
native stones from Italy be accepted for display or also
stones from abroad? What about stones collected by
the owners themselves and for which they made a
wooden stand (daiza) for their stones? Another ques-
tion is the alternation of a stone: it is accepted to cut
a stone at the base for stability or even to enhance its
shape? There are many pros and cons for the differ-
ent views. A main argument for some people to con- Top; Winner of the AIAS Trophy, a mountain stone of ideal dimensions from Liguria, Italy, titled “The
dark side of the mountain,” collector Mr. Claudio Villa
sider more clearly defined guidelines is that money Middle; First winner of the category Landscape Stones, titled “Clear night,” origin: Liguria, Italy,
will decide the winner if all stones are allowed for collector: Valdifiori Attilio
competition, regardless of their origin and complete Bottom; Second winner of the category Landscape Stones, titled “Eterna,” origin: Liguria. Collector:
naturalness. Primangelo Pondini
Today the organization cooperates with 11 Italian
Bonsai Clubs which help to find a suitable location for

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