The subtle dark green color and form of this stone convey a feeling of peacefulness and tranquility. It is an an excellent stone to contemplate when seeking a way to escape from everyday stresses. temporarily. When I first saw this stone shown in an exhibition in Sapporo, Japan, I kept coming back to again and again. While it is simple, it conveys much feeling. It is known as an Aotoro-ishi or Blue tiger-striped stone because of the faint bluish-black layers alternate with green layers of stone. This stone originated in a remote mountain stream in central Hokkaido. Stone hunting in this region is limited to the summer months due to severe winter weather and considerable snowfall. 

“Calming” was collected by Mr. Takiyama and later displayed in the 38th All Japan Aiseki Association National Exhibitions in Sapporo in late June and early July 2018. This stone is 26.7 cm (10.5 inches) wide, 5.6 cm (2.2 inches) high, and 10.7 cm (4.2 inches) deep. The base was carved from the wood of the Tilia tree native to Hokkaido and stained to a dark finish.