| BONSAI GARDENS & THE ART OF SUISEKI Once you master the art there is no problem in having a bonsai garden. In modern times, when there is a shortage for place a bonsai garden can be the best substitute for a huge garden. You can grow almost all varieties of plants a few being exceptions. Once you have more than 10 plants with you supported by few indoor varieties you can arrange a beautiful garden in your place using the bonsai method. To enhance the look of your bonsai garden we will introduce you to the concept of SUISEKI, another art to beautify your house as well as your garden.
Suiseki (Sui=water and Seki=stone) is the Japanese name for the very eye catching stones which are used for enhancing the look of any scenic landscape, such as the area around any bonsai or a rock garden These stones are not available readymade in any nursery or garden but you have to take physical pains to find them in nature. These stones are found in mountains, streams, beaches or even deserts. You efforts only can bring the best ones to your home. There are three main category groupings in Suiseki: In
Japan Suiseki is more than an art it has spiritual tone too. To
consider the stones as a presentation of nature reduces the stress
of daily life and allows a person to retain his sense of values.
The significance of nature in our routine life is reflected through
the beauty, strength and character of the stones. |
SCENIC LANDSCAPE STONES
These are the most popular ones in all the three groups as they give the effect of streams, waterfalls, mountains, lakes and islands. In one look one can gain the pleasure of the beautiful nature around us.
The beautiful Ligurian, Italy, suiseki was collected by me on my visit to Italy in October, 1998. The variety of shapes, harmony and rythym is magnificent. The stone's large size presents a truly inspirting view of a dfistant mountain range, renzan-seki.. The suiseki's naturally flat. 20" W x 9"D x 4.5"H (50.8 x 22.9 x 11.4 cms.).
OBJECT STONES
These denote the objects like boats, bridges, huts and as well as some resemble birds, fish and human figures.
This is another Ligurian beauty I brought back from my Italian trip. This suiseki reminds me of coastal rocks replete with caves, arches and grottos found in the southern Mediterrain Sea. 9" x 4" x 6" (22.9 x 10 x 15).
PATTERN STONES
These stones are used for creating colour variations, unusual texture and exclusive surface patterns.
Finding good waterfall, taki-ishi, suiseki is difficult in Northern California collecting sites. Thus this suiseki is dear to me. I like the black basalt contrasting nicely with the quartz 'water". The uneven water trail in the upper section gives the stone nice visual variety. 15" wide x 7" deep x 12" high. (38 x 17.8 x 30.5cm). Tall and broad suiseki require the use of deep daiza for stability.
