There is more than one way to display this small, irregularly shaped Chinese desert stone. In this configuration, the stone and its base present a traditional approach that emphasizes holes and crevices. Holes or thin semi-transparent layers of rock allow light to pass through and serve as symbolic passages from one life to another. These gateways have a basis in Taoist philosophy.

A skilled woodcarver made an intricate base that to a large degree mirrors the stone's shape. This base required a careful study of the rock and let the stone guide the form of its support. Beautifully carved bases of this type add meaning to the stone. 

This stone and its base are 12 cm wide, 12.5 cm high, and 7.5 cm deep. It is in the collection of Thomas S. Elias and Hiromi Nakaoji.