“Any man-made interventions in the life of a rock —
moving it to a new location, naming the rock, fitting it into a stand —
should demonstrate creativity and contribute to a narrative about
the interaction between man and the natural world.”
All cultures have held certain stones in high regard. In China, however, a tradition of stone collecting and connoisseurship evolved that was unrivaled. In China scholar’s rocks were collected and displayed as far back as the 10th century Song Dynasty. The tradition was introduced into Japan and by the 14th century a distinctly Japanese version was flourishing. The American viewing stone practice, which is barely a half-century old, derives from both the Japanese and Chinese traditions as they have been understood and interpreted by American practitioners. The Viewing Stone Project is a vehicle for the study of these received traditions and the exploration of their present day potential.
Viewing Stone and Bonsai Resources
Viewing Stone Association of America (VSANA) / California Aiseki Kai / Planted Well
