Nippon Suiseki Association


		Nippon Suiseki Association is supported by the Agency for Cultual Affairs of Japan and the metropolis of Tokyo when the exhibition is exhibited.

Quality suiseki have a fine shape, are of good material, have good color, fine texture, and finally, and aged appearance. This patina of age is created both by nature and by the process of yoseki. It is in large part this feeling of age that separates what may be considered good suiseki in accordance with the other four factors, from excellent suiseki as a more rounded and complete whole.

Just as a new stone taken fresh from a river and placed in an elegant, calm garden will destroy the peaceful nature of the garden, so too do “new stones” (araishi) lack a desirable sense of age and tranquility.

“In the past, I came up with the word ‘yoseki’ (literally “raising stones”). It makes sense to ‘bring up’ a living thing, but to think of ‘bringing up’ something dead like a stone may seem out of order. However, if you care for a stone as if you were raising it, then the patina (sabi) will emerge, like a living thing.” (Norio Kobayashi, 1943)

Even stones found in rivers should be put through the process of yoseki. The flow of the river will cut into and shape the stone, but will not do much in terms of adding to the delicate and fine finish that yoseki produces. The yoseki process, however, is one that takes considerable time. Like bonsai, good results do not come quickly, but rather through persistent and patient care. Yoseki as done here in Japan starts by placing the suiseki outdoors on a wooden shelf and watering it regularly just was you would bonsai. Over time the constant wetting and drying, along with exposure to sun and the other elements, will begin to bring out that stone’s particular temperament and a fine sheen will develop, adding the final touch of an aged look to the suiseki.