Ｑ2：

There are many opinions regarding whether or not it is acceptable for the bottom of a stone to be cut. Some say that if the stone is not 100% natural, then it is not suiseki. What is the Suiseki Association's viewpoint on this matter?

Ａ2：

Of course it is true that ideally suiseki should be 100% natural stones. This is the best condition, but also very rare. If the bottom of a stone, however, needs to be slightly altered to allow it to fit nicely in a suiban or daiza, then cutting is acceptable to a certain degree. A stone should not be left perfectly flat as if just off the cutting board though. To the greatest extent possible, the bottom should be fixed to match the overall surface of the stone and at least appear natural. Once this has been done, it is of utmost importance to be honest regarding the fact that the stone has been altered. To this extent, cutting is acceptable and done in Japan.

Ｑ3：

I would like to display one of my stones in the Meihinten this year, but do not have a display stand to enter with it. Can I still enter my stone?

Ａ3：

This is not a problem. Firstly, it is probably best to send us a few pictures of the suiseki so that we may have a preliminary look to determine if it is the type of stone that would be acceptable for the exhibition. Assuming that the suiseki is displayable, then we will happily provide a display stand that matches the stone and will suit it well for the exhibition. Suiban can also be provided in some cases, as we understand that shipping suiban from abroad can be not only expensive, but also risky as there is a chance that it may break in transit. Both the suiban and the display stand can be lent at no extra charge.

Ｑ4：

I recently displayed a stone in a suiban with white sand, but was told that this is not acceptable. What kind of sand should I use to best display suiseki in a suiban.

Ａ4：

Though white sand has been used in the past, as in the case of the famous "yume no ukihashi," this type of sand is no longer in use today. The main reason is that the bright color tends to draw the eye's attention first, and attention is thereby detracted from the stone which is of course the focus of the display. If possible, it is best to use a more neutral, light brown colored sand which doesn't contrast too sharply with either the color or the surface texture of the stone. The sand most commonly used in Japan is of this light brown shade, with slightly varying grain coloration, though the overall apprearance is consistant. The grain size is also important. A small stone should not be displayed with large-grained sand, and in the opposite sense larger stones should not be displayed with sand which is too fine. It is important to find a good balance between the size of the stone and grain of the sand, and also matching the sand with the surface texture of the stone is important.