Each man has his own preferences:
All things seek their own companions.
I have come to fear that the world of youth
Has no room for one with long white hair.
I turn my head and ask this pair of stones:
“Can you be companions for an old man?”
Although the stones cannot speak,
They agree that we three shall be friends.Bai Juyi, Chinese poet, (772-846)
In China, scholar and spirit stones known as Gongshi have been collected and admired for thousands of years. During the Tang dynasty (618-907AD), it was believed that no garden or studio could be considered beautiful without a collection of such stones. Unique stones were transported to other countries and offered as tribute and gifts to royalty and friends.
Stone appreciation was introduced in Japan during the reign of Empress Regent Suiko (592-628) after she was given Gongshi by the Chinese imperial court. The Japanese adapted the appreciation of stones by incorporating their cultural affinities for simplicity and elegance. Tastes in stones have been influenced by Taoist and Shintoist religions as well as the Samurai warrior class.
Suiseki (Sui=water, Seki=stone, also an abbreviation of san-sui-kei-jyo-seki, which means ‘landscape scene stone’) is the Japanese version of stone appreciation. These stones, formed and shaped by wind, water and time can take many different shapes and are reminiscent of nature, particularly mountains, ancient structures or animals. The art of Suiseki includes an elaborate classification system and the most beautiful specimen are exhibited in museums and organized competitions.
Suiseki stones are traditionally displayed on beautiful wooden stands, called daizas, that are designed and carved specifically for each stone by master woodworkers. The stones can also be displayed on shallow metal trays, usually made of bronze, that are filled with sand, water or both. The stones cannot be altered except for cleaning and sometimes flattened on one side for display and stability purposes.
Below are just a few examples of these magnificent stones and a few links to Suiseki websites.
Sources: The Japanese Art of Stone Appreciation
All About Suiseki Webpage
Suiseki Wikipedia Webpage
Bonsai Empire Webpage