Today's Viewing Stones

This new book approaches viewing stones in an unprecedented way. It openly discusses the fact that suiseki has lost its Western primacy. Suiseki is no longer the only stone in people's minds and on their shelves. Many people now collect stones from worldwide including the rivers, mountain tops and seashores in their own countries. The crucial element is the thrill that endears a stone to one's soul; it is that special element we appreciate in a particular stone. And, we have the freedom to display such a stone in the Asian-style, or even our own style, that we feel best reveals its very special qualities. The only limitation on the 21st Century collection of extraordinary stones is the imagination of the collector.  This evolving expansion of viewing stone arts is increasing the number and originality of stones seen in photographs and exhibits shown all over the globe. 

2009 Nautilus Book Award Winner

The Nautilus Book Award recognizes books and audio books that promote spiritual growth, conscious living, and positive social change and stimulate the "imagination" and inspire the reader to "new possibilities" for a better world. Beyond Suiseki: Ancient Asian Viewing Stones of the 21^st Century and Water Stone Press has been awarded the 2009 Silver Medal.

Cover's Tall Blue Stone

This stone is named for a Chinese location—Fubo Hill on Li River—which its appearance suggests. It was actually found in rubble along the bank of Alameda Creek, Sunol Regional Park, 25 miles from San Francisco, California. Yet, lying among other chunks of rock splashed by water of the stream, it stirred me to look in wonder. What mysterious force transported this astonishing stone to so humble a setting? That must remain unanswered question though the stone now graces the cover of Beyond Suiseki.

Plain Facts: How a novice can assemble a fine modern collection of viewing stones

In Beyond Suiseki's Foreword viewing stone expert Kemin Hu said, “An American friend and fellow stone admirer once found a nice stone in his hometown and matched it with a simple wooden stand.  He asked, ‘Could I call this stone a Scholars’ Rock?’  I assured him, ‘Yes, as long as you have a feeling for the stone.’  He could not call it a Chinese Scholar’s Rock but he could call it an American Scholars’ Rock or viewing stone.”

In their top-selling Western books, Willi Benz, Vincent Covello with Yugi Yoshimura, Felix Rivera and Melba Tucker all include stones from worldwide locations.  Among others, Benz includes numerous German, Indonesian and Italian stones.  Covello with Yoshimura include stones from the United States and Canada.  Felix Rivera comments, “It is not necessary that a suiseki come from the Alps, Tetons or rain forests for it to remind a collector of a specific locale.” Then, he goes on to exuberantly describe stones from Germany, Switzerland, France, England, Wales, and Italy as well as Puerto Rico, Oregon, Utah, Pennsylvania and several California locations in addition to the Murphy’s area in the gold country for which he is internationally known.  And, also, Melba Tucker includes stones from South Africa, Indonesia, and Canada as well as Wyoming, Arizona, and numerous areas of California, in particular the Mohave Desert from which some of her most famous stones were collected.  None of these recognized authorities even suggest that serious enthusiasts should confine their collecting to any particular regions or countries.

Therefore, neither you nor your stone loving friends need hesitate in gathering worthy viewing stones where ever you find them.  Whether they are worthwhile or authentic will be based on factors other than their geographic origin. Though, there may be purists who dispute a lack of adherence to the ancient Asian traditions that inspired your initial interest, the plain fact is that your efforts are yours and they reflect your spiritual and aesthetic preferences which are the very factors recommending your stones.