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Suiseki
Though suiseki, is a Japanese term, viewing stones, like bonsai, hold their
roots in China.
Referred to in China as Gongshi, the art of these stones began sometime in
the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.E.-. 220 C.E.), as stones collected to enhance
garden views and created landscapes. Eventually smaller stones, called
"Scholar's Rocks", evolved from the idea of the larger garden stones. Easily
portable, these stones were appreciated less for their purely decorative
beauty, but more for their ability to evoke a huge landscape in only inches of
stone. These stones often also depicted people, animals, or mythological
creatures. Frequently a focus of meditation and religious principles, they
were also often the focus of contemplation before sitting down to writing or
painting.
Sometime between 592-628 C.E., the first Penjing and Suiseki were gifted to
the Japanese Empress Regent Suiko from the Chinese Court. The art of
Suiseki remained popular through much of Japan's history, morphing slightly
to appeal to the Zen Buddhist ideals of austerity, poverty, and intuitive
insight.
For more information on Suiseki, please visit: www.suiseki.com
roots in China.
Referred to in China as Gongshi, the art of these stones began sometime in
the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.E.-. 220 C.E.), as stones collected to enhance
garden views and created landscapes. Eventually smaller stones, called
"Scholar's Rocks", evolved from the idea of the larger garden stones. Easily
portable, these stones were appreciated less for their purely decorative
beauty, but more for their ability to evoke a huge landscape in only inches of
stone. These stones often also depicted people, animals, or mythological
creatures. Frequently a focus of meditation and religious principles, they
were also often the focus of contemplation before sitting down to writing or
painting.
Sometime between 592-628 C.E., the first Penjing and Suiseki were gifted to
the Japanese Empress Regent Suiko from the Chinese Court. The art of
Suiseki remained popular through much of Japan's history, morphing slightly
to appeal to the Zen Buddhist ideals of austerity, poverty, and intuitive
insight.
For more information on Suiseki, please visit: www.suiseki.com
Photos courtesy of Golden Bonsai Nursery
Photographed by Heather Hartman
Photographed by Heather Hartman
