Stone of the Month: August 2020"La Bella"
By Chris Cochrane
In the summer of 2001, the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum received the renowned suiseki “La Bella” from her original collector Ms. Luciana Queirolo. La Bella was found at Giacopiane Lake in Italy’s Ligurian Alps. It was among the most celebrated suiseki of Europe and gained prominence in America when featured in Felix Rivera’s 1997 text Suiseki: The Japanese Art of Miniature Landscape Stones. “La Bella” measures 50 x 24 x 18 cm.
In his book, Felix Rivera commented on “La Bella”: “If any stone in this book deserves to be called a suiseki, this is the one. …This near view mountain suiseki is a wonder of textures, shapes, harmony and balance. The myriad waterfalls and streams remind the viewer of high mountain country. …. Viewing this unique stone and being overcome by its power of suggestion is tantamount to a spiritual experience.”
“La Bella” resonates as a gift to the international bonsai & suiseki community. Visitors to the Museum marvel at this stone and the carving of its intricate stand. That was Luciana’s desire, and it has become part of her legacy.
