Japanese Book Reviews

Aiseki

Rating: Very Good. An important window to the hobbyists’ side of Japanese suiseki.

This month we are featuring a Japanese serial publication rather than a book. Aiseki (Love of Stones) is closely allied with the All Japan Aiseki Association and provides an opportunity for the many Aiseki clubs to feature their exhibits and activities. Aiseki magazine unites the loose federation of hobbyists’ clubs throughout Japan. Outstanding stones from individual collections and stone hunting trips are frequently featured. In addition, individuals write articles on various topics relating to Japanese suiseki.

This monthly magazine in Japanese was first published in March 1983 under the title “Aiskei-no-tomo” (Friends of Aiseki). In 2006, the name of the magazine was changed to Aiseki. In the 1980s and 1990s, memberships were robust as thousands of hobbyists were pursuing suiseki in Japan. But a steady decline in clubs and people collecting and displaying stones resulted in a corresponding drop in Aiseki subscriptions. This is the last remaining monthly magazine devoted to suiseki in Japan. Subscriptions from other countries are welcome. Contact aiseki@watch.ocn.ne.jp if you would like to subscribe.

All Japan Juseki-kai 1966

Contemporary Aiseki Notation

Rating: Good, mainly for the history of Japanese suiseki between 1925 and 1966

Juseki-kai Publisher, Tokyo. 198 pages. No ISBN number. 1200 Yen when published

This was one of the many books published in the 1960s and 1970s during the peak of the growing popularity of suiseki in Japan. It was intended to help people recognize good stones from different regions of Japan. The majority of this volume is photographs of various suiseki throughout Japan with brief commentary about each stone. At the end of the book Murata Keiji contributed a useful summary of suiseki history after 1925. It includes a beautiful biseki malachite stone from Madagascar proving that non-Japanese stones were being collected and appreciated in Japan at this time.

All Japan Juseki-kai

ED. 1965

Stone Hunting as a Hobby (Kitaguni-no-ishi, Azuma-no-ishi)

Rating: Good, a valuable reference at the time, but now out-of-date and replaced by a more modern version.

Japan Stone Visit Series #3, Hokkaido, Tohuku, and Kanto edition. Juseki-sha Publisher, Tokyo. 154 pages, No ISBN. 600 yen when published.

This is the third in a series of books to aid hobbyists in identifying good stone-hunting locations in Hokkaido and the northernmost region of Hanshu Island. It includes descriptions and maps of accessible areas in different rivers. This “where to go to find stones” volume was published during the rise in popularity of suiseki in Japan. At this time, and for the following two decades, thousands of Japanese began to learn and pursue the art of collecting and displaying interesting stones. Black and white photographs of the rivers and some of the stones found in those rivers complement the crude maps.

This series served as important guides to stone collecting sites throughout Japan until they were superceeded by the a three part series Modern Japan Excellent Stones Illustrated published in 2010 (#1), 2014 (#2), and 2019 (#3).

All Japan Stone Hobby Society 1996

All Japan Aiseki Directory

Rating: very good, covers all of Japan

Tokuma Shoten, Tokyo. 318 pp. No ISBN number. 1300 Yen when published

This is an impressive volume that generously illustrates the various types of stones collected and appreciated in Japan beginning with the northern-most island of Hokkaido and progressing southward region by region. Other than one color photograph, the illustrations are black and white. Two or three stones are illustrated on each page, and each has a brief caption including dimensions. Each stone is shown in a carved wood base or positioned in a tray. Text is limited to a twenty-eight page section at the end of the book. It is a good volume for stone enthusiasts to see the range of rocks utilized at this time.

This is a hard bound volume in a slip case.

All Nippon Aiseki Association 2014

All Nippon Aiseki Association 30th Anniversary Exhibit in Hokkaido

Rating: Excellent, a fine assemblage of natural Japanese stones, mainly from Hokkaido

143 pages, No ISBN number. 3500 yen when published

The All Nippon Aiseki Association joined with the Hokkaido Suiseki Federation to stage a grand 30th anniversary exhibition of natural Japanese viewing stones in the Sapporo Citizens Gallery July 4-6, 2014. A total of 95 stones were on display with a preponderance of rocks from the northern province of Hokkaido. The stones were divided into two classes—A and B. Class A stones were given more display space for scrolls, display tables, and other accessories and each stone was given two pages in this volume. One pages was for the entire display, while the second page was a close-up photograph of the stone. The display space for Class B stones was smaller and each stone was allotted just one page in this anniversary publication.

This is a significant publication for several reasons. First, the stones appear to be all natural; they are not enhanced or modified. As a result, no picture-perfect stones were displayed. The quality and diversity of the stones included in this exhibit are excellent. Several of the stones are rugged in appearance, but are convincing suiseki. Secondly, this fine exhibition was planned and staged solely by stone hobbyists. Third, this is a splendid example of a low-cost exhibition that is affordable to many Japanese hobbyists. The quality of the photography is excellent. The text is only in Japanese.

All Japan Aiseki Association 2016

34th All Japan Aiseki Association National and the Hokkaido Suiseki Federation Exhibition

Rating: Very Good, important documentation of this major event

Tokyo. 32 pages, No ISBN number. 1000 Yen when published

This is the catalog of the joint exhibition of the Suiseki clubs in Hokkaido and the national exhibition All Japan Aiseki Association held every other year in Sapporo. A total of 90 stones were exhibited in 2016. The catalog is a valuable record of each stone displayed, together with a few photographs of the exhibit scenes and a group photograph of the exhibitors. This is one of the largest exhibitions organized by hobbyists belonging to this association. The majority of the stones on display are from Hokkaido.

Due to limited finances, either two or four stones are shown per page. Even with that, the photographs are sharp, crisp and show considerable detail of each stone. Unfortunately, this recent publication may already be- out of print and difficult to find.

All Japan Aiseki Association 2017

Aiseki-sha Asakusa Exhibition No. 4

Rating: Good, important in documenting the work of this associatio

Attachment to Aiseki magazine. No ISBN. 32 pages. 1,000 yen when published

This is the catalog from the 2017 Japan Viewing Stone exhibition that was held in Asakusa. This booklet was published as an attachment to the Aiseki magazine. The documentation of the exhibitions staged by hobbyists, rather than by the major dealers in Suiseki, is important in conveying a complete record of the stone appreciation culture in Japan. Fifty-three stones were displayed.

All Japan Aiseki Association 2018

38th All Japan Aiseki Association National and the 6th Hokkaido Suiseki Federation Combined Exhibition

Rating: An excellent exhibition catalog and valuable reference

Tokyo. 128 pp. No ISBN number. 3,000 Yen when published

This national association of stone loving hobbyists joined together with the suiseki clubs in Hokkaido to stage an impressive exhibition of 89 stones in the Citizens Gallery in downtown Sapporo, Japan. The exhibition was held June 29–July 1, 2018. This volume is a record of each stone displayed in that exhibition together with additional photographs of activities relating to the exhibition. A landscape format to this book was chosen since the majority of Japanese stones are oriented along a horizontal axis rather than a vertical one. The photographs in this volume are excellent and prominently featured throughout.

Since this exhibition is staged by hobbyists, the cost of exhibiting a nice stone is low, thus allowing a wider range of stone collectors to participate. Also, the different stone types found in Hokkaido are featured since the venue in held on this northern most major island of Japan. This is a welcome change from the typical stones found on the more southern island of Honshu where suiseki has a much longer history. This book helps to show the wider range of stones that are collected and appreciated in Japan.

Akimoto, Kazuhiro 1998

The Way to Mt. Sumeru

Rating: Very Good, an important illustrated reference for followers of the Keido School of Display

Keido Art Ltd., Tochigi. 240 pages, slipcase. No ISBN. No price given

The author, Mr. Akimoto, a leading collector of bonsai and suiseki and a proponent of Katayama’s Keido school of display, was 88 when this book was published. The Way to Mt. Sumeru was a celebration of this milestone in his life. Mount Sumeru refers to a mountain in the Himalayan Mountains which is the center of Buddhism in the ancient world of Indian Buddhism. The book consists of three chapters: Satsuki and Bonsai, Suiseki, and Pots and Tools. The suiseki chapter was arranged by the four seasons. All of the displays in this volume follow the principles of the Keido school. They are refined, elegant, and epitomize the concept of understated beauty. As a result, it is an important reference to aid in understanding the Keido way. In addition to the the richly illustrated chapters, Tanokura Heiji contributed a personal history of Akimoto. Akimoto was a good friend to Takagi Reiji and Oguchi Kenichi, both well-known collectors of bonsai and suiseki.

At the time of publication, Akimoto was the owner of the well-known historically important Chinese stone Li Bai Looking at Waterfall. It is illustrated here along with another important stone, Shumisen, that is attributed to the Muramachi Era. This stone has an elaborately carved base made in the Meiji. According to Akimoto, this stone and base is an image of the legendary heavenly village in the Himalayan Mountains. Although The Way to Mt. Sumeru was privately published for Akimoto to present to his friends and followers of Keido, this little-known book is a valuable example of outstanding stones and the manner in which they are displayed.

Araki Hideici, 2010

History of Viewing Stones—People who Loved Stones

Ishi-no-bi-shi, Tokyo. No ISBN.

By Hiromi Nakaoji

This is a thin book of only 41 pages. It begins with a brief history of suiseki, and then introduces 31 historically known stones. Each of these stones is linked with a story of past owners. This book is very interesting since we can understand the stones and how they are related to the people who once owned them. There are other historical stone books in Japan, but the descriptions in the book seem more objective. This thin book is personable.

Rating: Highly recommended

Baba Toshikazu. 2002

Collection of One Hundred Selected Suiseki—For my 77th Birthday.

Rating: Very Good, this is a private publication and, if you are lucky, you may find a copy at an old book shop in Japan.

Fujiya Trading Company, Kyoto. 111 pages, no ISBN. No price given.

By Hiromi Nakaoji

Mr. Baba, resident of Kyoto, is a long-time collector of suiseki, especially stones from the Kamo River. He has assembled one of the finest and largest collections in Japan. He selected 100 stones from his collection to illustrate this book in celebration of his 77th birthday. In Japan, a person reaching 77 years of age is considered to be fortunate, and this is considered to be the “joyous year.”

The photographs are excellent and show each of the outstanding stones in detail. The type and dimensions are provided for each of the stones. The interpretation of each stone is left to the viewer. It is amazing to find that Mr. Baba has six suiseki that he had the honor of showing to the emperor of Japan. The majority of the stones illustrated in this volume are from the Kamo River. One can only imagine the scale and extent of Baba’s collection by looking at the stones in this book. This is a good book to study the features of high quality suiseki.

Eguchi, M 1966

Love of Small Suiseki

Rating: Good, a nice introductory book for novices

Tokuma Shoten, Tokyo. 182 pp. No ISBN. 600 Yen when published

(Komono Suiseki Aikou) This inexpensive guide to small Suiseki was one of many books published during the 1960s that helped develop a surge in the number of people in Japan who wanted to learn about stone appreciation. It is basically an entry-level volume with the first 92 pages devoted to black and white photographs of a wide range of small stones with a few river scenes. The latter half of the book is Japanese text divided into six chapters. The first two chapters define Suiseki and explain the features of acceptable stones. This is followed by a brief chapter on the advantages of small stones. The next chapter is devoted to collecting stones by purchase or by stone hunting. The fifth chapter discusses natural stones versus altered stones. The final chapter of this book explains how to display small stones in trays and in hand-carved wood daiza and how to display them with moss.

This volume was number 3 of an Aseiki series of several introductory books.

Hori Y, Tatehata K, Araki E & Sato– K 2013

Aiseki Dictionary

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference for Japanese reading audiences

Aiseki Company, Tokyo, 174 pages. No ISBN numbers. 6,300 Yen when published

This dictionary is designed to provide all the information needed to understand suiseki in Japan. Mr. Tatehata Kengo, the chief editor of Aiseki magazine, came up with the idea that the terms/words used in suiseki might not be well explained to new beginners. He asked Mr. Hori Yasuhiro to explain the terms and words used in suiseki, in a series of articles in Aiseki magazine. Then Tatehata realized that a section on suiban and jiita would be important and he asked Mr. Araki Ei’ichi to prepare it. The section of the people important to the development of suiseki was prepared by Mr. Sato Kanseki, a well-known suiseki historian. All together this is a compact but comprehensive dictionary of Aiseki. This is a must-have volume for understanding Japanese Suiseki. The dictionary provides many illustrations to aid in the understanding of many of the terms. It is too bad that the book is only available in the Japanese language. An English translation would be useful.

Ishi, Kiuemon 1966

The Essence of Rocks

Rating: Very Good, an important piece of the development of modern Suiseki history in English

Ishii Meiseki-ten, Tokyo. 141 pages. In slip cover. No ISBN number. 3,000 Yen when published

This book stands out for several reasons beginning with its size, 35.6 x 25.5 cm, the use of the word “rock” instead of Suiseki in its title, and that it is in English and Japanese. It was written by a long-time stone connoisseur who began collecting stones in the late 1920s. In the introduction Ishi writes “In these noisy and hectic days, to sit in front of a quiet stone, and to listen to its tales about the distant past…..such peaceful hours are becoming more and more dear to us.” He further states “this “rock boom” has created not just a small amount of confusion, causing concern to old time connoisseurs, and perplexity to newcomers.” Ishi hopes that his book will contribute to the aesthetics of rock collecting and contemplation.

This bilingual volume allows readers to better understand the author’s knowledge and sensitivities about rocks. The scope of this volume includes not just Suiseki but also many other stones (Meiseki) defined by special shape, color, texture, etc., and considered to be of high value. Ishi provides his definition of Suiseki and what to look for in shapes, forms, surface colors, and patterns of rocks. He distinguishes between Suiseki, garden stones, and bonseki. While he states that stones should be just as nature made them, he does allow for modifying the base to make it flat, and for light polishing to bring the true luster of a stone to its surface.

The large format allows correspondingly large color photographs of stones to be printed throughout the book. These combined with Ishi’s comments provide a rare glimpse of Japan’s Suiseki world during the early boom years seen through the eyes and pen of a serious stone collector.

Ishihara, Noburo 1986

Kikka-seki

Rating: Not recommended, mainly of interest to serious students of Japanese chrysanthemum flowers stones. His 2000 book better illustrated many of his stones and better explained his theory

Mokuji Publishing Company, 128 pp with slipcase. ISBN4-8393-5419-7. 3200 Yen when published

(Chrysanthemum Flower Stone) This is one of Ishiraha’s earliest books on Japanese chrysanthemum flower stones that was superseded by his greatly improved book World of Chrysanthemum Stone Flowers published in 2000. It begins with 11 color plates of polished stones that he made. Each full page plate has an opposing page providing a description, size, and other information. Next are 35 stones illustrated in black and white photographs. The remainder of the book describes the portion of Neo Valley where Ishihara mined for chrysanthemum flower stones, and his opinions about how the mineral formations were formed. Ishihara had considerable experience collecting and processing small- to medium-sized boulders and observed the patterns of the mineral formations in the rock. Based upon this, he developed a theory as to their formation. His theory is presented along with many line drawings in support of his conclusions. Ishihara was a highly skilled machine tool maker, but not a geologist. Much later, his theory was not widely accepted by Japanese specialists with training in geology. His theory is fascinating and may ultimately prove to be correct. Time will tell.

Ishihara, Nobuo 2000

World of Chrysanthemum Flower Stones

Rating: Very good, a good introduction to Neo Valley chrysanthemum flower stones

Toho Publishing Company, Osaka. ISBN 4-88591-663-1. 82 pp. 2800 Yen when published

The author, Ishihara Nobuo, published a series of privately issued small books on Japanese chrysanthemum flower stones before this attractive hard-bound volume. It is a nice introduction to these beautiful stones from Neo Valley above Gifu. The wide range of different types and colors of Neo Valley flower stones are beautifully illustrated with a series of sharp color photographs. Ishihara provides information about the Neo Valley locations where these stones are found and offers his opinion about the geological origin of the stones. Unfortunately, his theory of origin is not widely accepted in Japan. Despite that, this is a very useful book to see and learn about some of the more attractive chrysanthemum flower stones. Ishihara has assembled one of the largest collections of these stones in Japan over many years of collecting in Neo Valley.

Ishihara Nobuo. 2022

Neo Chrysanthemum Flower Stones

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference to Japanese Neo Valley chrysanthemum stone flowers.

Livre Publishing Company, Kochi, Japan. 132 pages. ISBN: 978-4-86338-340-1. 40,000 Yen when published.

The author, a resident of Osaka, is a well-known, long-time collector of Neo Valley chrysanthemum flower stones. Ishihara is a highly skilled stone carver who can expose and polish these stones to illustrate their best features with the least amount of alteration. As a result, he calls himself a chrysanthemum flower stone creator. He published two other books, including Kikka-seki (1986), followed by Kikka-seki no Sekai (World of Chrysanthemum Stones) in 2000. Ishihara wrote a series of articles about these stones for the Japanese language magazine Juseki and played an important role in establishing a Neo Valley museum devoted to these stones.

This book contains information about the different mountains in Neo Valley where chrysanthemum flower stones are found. Ishihara also describes the various types of foundation stones and mineral formations--the “flowers.” He also provides descriptions of two chrysanthemum flower stone museums and the mum stone collections held by 15 collectors, including himself. This book, in many ways, summarizes what he has learned throughout his lifelong association with mum stones. This book can be used as a reference to identify the mountain from which a chrysanthemum flower stone originated.

Japan Aiseki Museum & Ibi Aiseki-kai. Eds. 1970

The Heart of Stone. Memorial Record Book of Kobayashi Sokan

Rating: Very Good, a good overview of many of the valuable suiseki in the late 1960s.

Published by Japan Aiseki Museum and Ibi Aiseki Club. 152 pages, No ISBN. Limited Edition of 500 copies.

This book was published to celebrate the life of Kobayashi Sokan, a well-known Japanese stone connoisseur in the town of Ibigawa in the 1950s and 1960s. This volume acknowledges Kobayashi's many contributions promoting stones in his region, all of Japan, and internationally. He undertook hakogaki or box writing and research on the rocks of the Ibi River. Kobayashi was the first director of the Japan Aiseki Museum established in 1967 in Ibigawa Town. He donated 33 suiseki to stone friends in Hawaii in 1965 as part of his international efforts.

This volume illustrates numerous excellent stones and is a good way of seeing many beautiful stones in a single volume. While there are a few suiseki illustrated from the Japan Aiseki Museum, the majority of the illustrations are prized stones from the leading collectors throughout Japan, including Murata Keiji, Shiraki Kouichi, Munakata Shiko, and Oikawa Yukio. Each of the contributors shared memories of Kobayashi in this volume.

This work is a valuable piece of Japanese suiseki history, acknowledging the contributions of one of several important suiseki leaders. We wish it contained more information about the museum.

Japan Bonsai Association. 1970

Bonsai Suiseki Show at Expo ’70

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference for students interested in the evolution of Japanese bonsai and suiseki over the last five decades.

Japan Bonsai Association, Tokyo. 361 pages, no ISBN. In slipcase. 35.25 x 26 cm (14 x 10.2 inches) Out of Print, Current price in used book market in fine condition with slipcase is 28,000 to 30,000 Yen.

The Japan World Exposition, Osaka, 1970, was the first world fair to be held in Japan and the first of the modern expositions in Asia. It was an immensely successful event with 77 countries participating around the theme Progress and Harmony for Mankind, and attracting over 64 million visitors. This was an opportunity for Japan to show the world its arts, crafts, architecture, foods, customs, and industrial progress.

The Japan Bonsai Association staged one of Japan's largest public displays of excellent bonsai and susieki. Nearly 900 bonsai and 270 suiseki were displayed at the 1970 Expo in Osaka. These were the finest examples of the bonsai and stones at that time. This oversized volume is a compelling catalog of those trees and stones. It has become a valuable reference for serious students of these Japanese art forms.

This volume provides definite evidence to support the belief that both bonsai and suiseki display practices have been steadily changing or developing over time, especially if we compare the trees and stone in this volume with the bonsai and suiseki in the latest catalogs of the Kokiufu-ten and the Japan Suiseki Exhibition. Bonsai today are often larger in size, a greater number of trees with broadly spreading trunks as seen in many maples, and greater numbers of deep bending and carving to achieve a natural ancient tree appearance. The suiseki illustrated in this book shows a wider range of bases used to hold and orient stones than seen in today’s stone exhibitions. In display methods using trays, the ratio of the size of the stone to the size of the ceramic or metal tray has changed somewhat over the last fifty-three years.

Kasahara, Manabu 2013

Notes on Suiseki

Rating: Recommended for serious students of Japanese suiseki

Miyaobi Publishing Co., Tokyo. 148 pp. with CD. ISBN: 978-4-86366-894-2. 1,300 Yen when published

(Suiseki-no-fu) The volume has considerable appeal because it is an account of how Mr. Kasahara developed his business as a long-time, respected stone dealer in Tokyo. He tells of how he was able to switch from his early career as an electrician to eventually become the full-time proprietor of Sansui-en, an attractive shop in the Nerima district in Tokyo. Kasahara has been a full time suiskei dealer for approximately fifty years including the peak of the stone appreciation culture in Japan from the 1960s through the 1980s. The transition was possible due to the support of Miyasaka, a businessman and major collector of stones in the 1960s. Kasahara discusses his meetings and relationships with prominent personalities in Japan’s suiseki community including Katayama, the founder of the Keido school of display. His writing is limited to his colleagues who are deceased. This book opens a window into the world of Japanese suiseki of which most foreign stone collectors are totally unaware.

Katayama, T 1971

Appreciation of Suiseki

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference to gain insight into Katayama’s methods of stone appreciation

Juseki-sha. Tokyo. 177 pp. No ISBN numbers. 2800 Yen when published

(Suiseki-no-Kansho) Katayama Teiichi was one of the most influential leaders in modern Japanese Suiseki. He was advocating a return to more traditional values and methods of display during the peak of Suiseki popularity in Japan. He established a school, Ichiu-kai, in 1967 to teach his methods of display. The Appreciation of Suiseki published in 1971 was the first of several books his wrote. In this volume, Katayama wrote about his views and included color and black and white illustrations showing how to make a traditional displays and how to use various accessories in those displays.

He was an effective writer and a persuasive communicator whose message resonated with the thousands of hobbyists collecting and displaying Suiseki. He had many students who continued to advocate his methods of display even to the present. For example, Katayama had a preference for ceramic and metal trays (suibans and dobans) over wood bases. He also preferred to use traditional tokonoma for display. In many ways, this book helped to bring the art of Suiseki back to traditional values at a time when people were experimenting with new ways of display.

This is a seminal book in the history of Japanese Suiseki and a valuable reference for anyone interested in the history of the development of modern stone appreciation in Japan. It consists primarily of text with limited illustrations; thus a reading knowledge of Japanese is needed to fully comprehend Katayama’s beliefs regarding traditional display techniques.

Katayama, I 1986

Keido Katayama School Teaching Book 2

Rating: Excellent, well-illustrated examples displays following Katayama’s methods

Suiseki. Katayama School Publishing, 119 pages. No ISBN number or price given

Katayama Ichiu, more than anyone else, influenced the way Suiseki collectors displayed their stones. He established his school Ichiu-kai in 1967 to promote his style of display for bonsai and Suiseki which focuses on a return to traditional methods using tokonoma. In 1986, he published two volumes of teaching books—volume 1, Bonsai and volume 2, Suiseki. This is a photo book that is divided into a preface and five chapters. Each illustration in the chapters is accompanied by brief text that explains each display. The first chapter, Suiseki Tokonoma Display, illustrates a series of different displays. Chapter two, Suiban, features ceramics trays in displays, while Chapter three, Tables, adds attractive and suitable wood display tables to the tokonoma. Chapter four, Jiita, illustrates individual ceramic and metal trays and display tables that are suitable for the Keido school of display. The last chapter, Tenkei (tempai), illustrates how to use figures and small bronze objects (tempai) in displays.

Since this teaching manual uses illustrations rather than lengthy text to show examples of his displays, both volumes are studied in detail by Western bonsai and viewing stone enthusiasts who want to learn how to improve their displays. These two volumes may have been published for distribution to students attending his school.

Katayama, Ichiu 1986

Tree Pots, Suiban and Selected Excellent Items

Rating: Very Good, especially for those wanting to learn the Katayama Keido style of display

Keido Katayama School, Tochigi. 111 pages. In slip case. No ISBN number. 3,800 Yen when published

This was the third book Katayama published in 1986, primarily for students in his successful and influential classes about bonsai and suiseki display. This thin volume illustrates the types of bonsai pots, ceramic and metal trays, and three display tables that he preferred to use. The photographs are superb. Each object illustrated is accompanied by brief text. Collectors wishing to follow his conservative, traditional style of display can simply study the photographs and emulate them.

Kawawa, Seikichi 2012

“Michi”, Selected Suiseki Collection

Rating: Excellent

226 pp. Privately published. No ISBN Number or price given. In cloth slip case

This modern book of Japanese suiseki is included as a fine example of one of many privately published books featuring one individual’s stone collection. Kawawa has one of the finest private collections of a wide range of Japanese stones. It is only through a collector’s willingness to share a collection visually with others that we can learn more about the quality of excellent stones that have been found in this country. It is a high quality book in every aspect.

Marushima, Hideo and Hu Yun Hua 2000

Fantastic Stones. Kiseki

Rating: Highly recommended, especially if you have a reading knowledge of Japanese

Nosangyoson Bunka Kyokai, Tokyo. 158 pp. ISBN 4-540-00111-6. 2,500 yen

This is the third in a series of three books published under the general title World of Chinese Penjing by Matushima and Hu. The series consists of Penjing (volume 1), Flower Pots (volume 2), and this one on fantastic stones. The late Dr. Marushima, who was a renowned scholar of bonsai and suiseki in Japan, developed this series in cooperation with a leading Chinese penjing expert Mr. Hu. The authors cover major topics including history, categories, appreciation theory, appreciation of modern fantastic stones, and clouds and stones in this third volume in this series. Marushima was a very eager student of Chinese culture and had a reading knowledge of Chinese, which is evident in this book. The book also has more than 50 pages of photos of modern Chinese stones. The final chapter of the book describes the relation between clouds and stone shapes. It is very interesting and helps readers learn why some Chinese stones are shaped like clouds. If you read this Japanese language book, you will gain new perspectives about Chinese stone appreciation.

Marushima, Hideo 1992

Japanese History of Stone Appreciation

Rating: Highly recommended, but a reading knowledge of Japanese is essential

Nippon Aiseki shi, Ishi-no-bi-sha; Tokyo. 646 pp. cased. 10,000 yen when published

Mr. Marsushima conducted very vigorous and comprehensive research on the history of Japanese stone appreciation for this book. It consists of five chapters, covering the early history to modern times including some basic concepts of stone appreciation in Japan and China. This is one of the best reference books on stone appreciation written in the Japanese language. It compares the history of stone appreciation in Japan and China. Marushima also describes the major players in Japanese stone appreciation history. A chronological list of events is attached at the end of the book. This list is a very useful summary of the important events in the stone appreciation history in Japan. Because the term suiseki first began to be used in Meiji period, Marushima noted that the term bonseki was used to refer stone appreciation in Japan prior to and even during part of the Meiji. He also explained the different use of the term bonseki as to indicate tray landscape with sands and stones. This book is a limited edition of 800 copies.

Matsumoto Kosen 2000

Moji Plum Flower Stones, Kosen Collection

Rating: very good for its value in documenting the use of Plum Flower Stones in Japanese suiseki

Privately published, 64 pages, no ISBN number

Sometimes, stone collectors will focus on the stones from a particular region of Japan or a specific stone type. Matsumoto specialized in Moji Plum Flower Stones. The flower-like structures are actually different species of crinoid stems embedded in ancient marine limestones. Crinoids are marine animals related to starfish and sea urchins. They are long stalked animals that attach to stones with their long narrow, segmented stem and use their tentacles at the end to catch prey. When a crinoid dies, the segmented pieces of the stem, made of calcium carbonate, separate into individual pieces that drop to the sea floor. If conditions are suitable, they become embedded in the limestone forming sediments. These stones are good examples of fossils being used and appreciated as suiseki. Matsumoto assembled a collection of 100 examples of these stones for this book. Most of the stone illustrated in this volume have not been polished or carved; they are displayed as natural stones. There are a few examples of stones that have been polished, and in the latter part, several examples of carved stones to appear as water pool stones are illustrated.

This is the only example of a Japanese suiseki book we know of that is devoted to Moji Plum Flower Stones. Volumes like this help to document the wide range of stones that are part of the Japanese broader world of suiseki.

Matsuura, A 2003

Suiseki Introduction Manual

Rating: Recommended as a good source to identify stones from 66 different places (sources) in Japan

Kindai Shuppan Publishing Company, Tokyo. 144 pages. ISBN: 4-905777-03-8. 2,500 Yen when published

This generously illustrated introductory manual to Japanese suiseki has been a popular guide for more than a decade in Japan. It was prepared by Arishige Matuura who served as president of the Nippon Suiseki Association for 20 years and various roles in the association prior to his presidency. Following the introduction, Matsuura provides information and numerous photographs of the ten most important stone types in Japanese stone appreciation culture. The Kamo River stones head the list, as they were the most important and earliest stones collected, starting in the Edo period. Three short chapters focus on the important features for evaluating stones, how to collect stones in nature, and how to display stones. Following this, he presents information and photographs of lesser important Japanese stones. Fifty-six different types, based upon their source of origin (e.g., Yoshimagawa or Yoshima River). This manual ends with some basic data about the important forms in Japanese suiseki, including mountain, waterfall, water holding, plateau, hut, figure, and pattern stones.

Matsuura, A & Yoshimura, K 1988

Excellent Japan Suiseki Grand View

Rating: Excellent: A comprehensive and grand publication for serious Suiseki hobbyists despite its price

Tokyo. Kodansha. 291 pages. double boxed. ISBN:4-06-204005-0. 68000 Yen when published. (in Japanese)

(Nihon Suiseki Meihin Taikan) This is one of the most important and most lavish Suiseki books published in Japan. Unfortunately, it is one of the more sought-after books because of the wealth of information and grand photographs of numerous famous stones, dobans, suibans, and companion objects. It is an over sized volume 37 x 26 cm, printed on heavy-weight paper, and beautifully bound. Excellent Japan Suiseki Grand View was published in the latter part of the peak of popularity of suiseki in Japan.

This book contains photographs of 22 famous and important Suiseki followed by over 100 full-page photographs of exceptional stones beloved by historically well-known stone hobbyists in Japan. Sixteen informative articles that address how to display, basics of Suiseki, shape and category, hunting sites and characters of Suiseki, and a map of Japan showing known collection sites provide readers with a thorough background to Japanese stone appreciation. Additional information is provided about the Iwasaki Family numbered stones, the famous stone connoisseur Mifu, and the well-known chrysanthemum stone “Hagoromo.” Photographs and information about suibans, dobans, and small accompanying objects made by highly acclaimed craftsmen such as Tofukuji, Harada Houn, and Eisho are also provided.

Matsuura, Arishige 2010

An Introduction
to Suiseki

Rating: Rating, very good, a useful introduction but exceedingly overpriced.

Translated and adopted by Wil Lautenschlager. Privately published by Matsuura Arishige in cooperation with the Nippon Suiseki Association. Tokyo. 87 pages. No ISBN. Price when published $90.

Mr. Matsuura prepared this introduction to susieki based upon his experiences over many years as chairman of the Nippon Suiseki Association. During this time, he led the efforts each year to stage the annual Meihin-ten in the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. Matsuura authored several important books on suiseki, and traveled and promoted suiseki in many countries.

An Introduction to Suiseki is an attractive and well-designed book that presents the basics of modern stone appreciation in a concise and well-illustrated manner. This book begins with a definition of suiseki followed by a brief history. The historical section emphasizes the early history of stone appreciation in Japan, while the important developments that occurred in the last 100 years are given cursory treatment.

Matsuura presents the five factors (shape, quality of material, color, surface texture, and age) with brief discussions of each. The common surface textures found among Japanese stones are illustrated, which is very helpful. In his discussion of age, Matsuura states that it is standard practice in other countries to oil and wax stones, but this practice is frowned upon in Japan. Here and elsewhere in this volume, Matsuura implies that suiseki are natural stones. He largely ignores the practice in Japan of enhancing stones by oiling and waxing.

A classification is presented to aid readers in understanding the meaning of different categories of stones. Students can easily learn the difference between the meaning of viewing stones and suiseki in Japan. A major section of the book is devoted to illustrating the ten most common types of suiseki in Japan. Examples of these include distant mountains, water pool, waterfall, and plateau stones.

Matsuura discusses the issue of cutting stones in this book. He acknowledges a long history of altering stones by cutting. The accepted practice of "to take is acceptable, to add is not" means that taking away some parts of a stone is acceptable, but not the shaping of stones. His states a preference for completely natural stones. The widespread acceptance of enhanced stones in Japan, especially stones that have been in collections for many decades, is not adequately discussed.

The steps in making a carved wooden base (daiza) for a stone are illustrated with a series of twelve photographs. This is followed by an important series of illustrations for the proper manner to store stones in wood boxes.

The chapter on elements of display is an excellent introduction for Western stone collectors to learn about the displaying stones. Ceramic and metal trays are illustrated together with a series of display tables. His inclusion of illustrations of small accessory items is also helpful, except for one questionable item. He writes that an oversized ceramic accessory is out of place and should not be used. "Such display may be more commonly seen in Chinese penjing practices but is not suitable for suiseki." Matsuura does not distinguish between the display of living trees and stones when he mentions "penjing practices." While the Chinese do use ceramic figures of appropriate scale in tree and landscape arrangements using living trees, they generally do not use ceramic figures in stone displays. This is more of a Japanese than Chinese custom.

The last section of the book explains and illustrates the importance of seasonality in the display of stones. Seasonality is an important element in the appreciation of stones and other objects in Japanese aesthetics.

The Meihinten Catalogs

Rating: Excellent, a good way for non-Japanese students of Suiseki to learn about Japanese stone appreciation.

Click here for a gallery of the Meihinten Catalogs

Kindai Shuppan Publishing Company, Tokyo. 144 pages. ISBN: 4-905777-03-8. 2,500 Yen when published

Mera, Hekisai 1894

Two volumes in one. Hekisai Stone Catalog

Rating: Excellent, an important historical reference in classical Japanese

Privately published by Mera Hekisai. Tanabe, Wakayama prefecture, Japan. No ISBN

This important early work on Furuya stones was self-published by a physician, Dr. Mera Hekisai, in Tanabe,Wakayama prefecture. Hekisai had about 1,000 Furuya stones in his collection and was impressed by the Chinese Jimei Stone catalog that was published in Osaka in 1881. He then decided late in his life to publish his own stone catalog. Hekisai’s catalog consists of two volumes. The first volume contains inscriptions of famous people, Gomyo-seki illustration by Tanomukra Chokunyu, Furuya stone theory, and 32 illustrations of stones. The second volume contains Chinese and Japanese waka poems dedicated to Hekisai’s famous stone “72 Peaks,” bonseki poems by Rai San-yo, Yanagawa Seigen, etc. as well as poems and writings by famous people from the Aiseki-cho, a book by Chiba Aiseki published in 1893. According to the History of Aiseki by Marushima, stone collectors, even in the Meiji period, asked famous people for Chinese style poems and Japanese style waka poems to their beloved stones in order to enhance the appreciation value. Aiseki-cho and Hekisai Stone Catalog” are two good examples of such practice.

The book illustrated here is a modern reprint of the original book.

Mori, A Ed. 1998

Modern Famous Stone Catalog, Japanese Viewing Stones

Rating: Very good, a nice introduction to the range of stones that individual field collectors find and value

Ishi-no-bi sha, Tokyo, 221 pages, no ISBN number, no price given

This attractive volume illustrates over 200 different stones from the collections of different individuals. Many of the stones were collected by the owners. Each stone is described along with what the owners felt about their stones. It is a collection of individual opinions and reflections about a good variety of Japanese stones rather than the opinion of a single individual. This makes this book more interesting than other Suiseki volumes produced in Japan. For example, the book contains a stone that the editor dug from the earth in 1963 and displayed in a base that he made. The fact that this book is subtitled Japanese Viewing Stones reflects the diversity of stones illustrated within.

This is a good book for people who search in nature for stone and does not appear to contain any stones that have been enhanced by carving, treated with chemicals. The bases and trays used to orient and display the stones are typical of most collectors rather than the products of highly skilled professional artisans. Readers will not see any expensive Houn bronze doubans or antique display tables in this volume. It is refreshing to see a work like this because it can encourage those with limited resources to engage in the art of stone appreciation without incurring major expenses.

Morimae, Seiji, 2001

The Retrospective Exhibit of Suifu Sanjin

Rating: Excellent. This is a fine, beautifully illustrated collection of outstanding artifacts associated with bonsai and suiseki.

Ginza Morimae LLC, Tokyo. 240 pages, no ISBN, no price given.

by Hiromi Nakaoji

This book was published as an exhibit photobook to commemorate the Suifu Sanjin Retrospective Exhibit held June 16 through July 2, 2000, at the Takagi Bonsai Museum in Tokyo. The exhibit included over 80 suiseki, 50 bonsai pots, 20 antique pots and suiban, as well as seal carvings from the Suifu collection. The book contains a thorough history of Suifu Sanjin whose real name was Usui Masashi (1921-1994), a bonsai & suiseki collector, bonsai pot maker, and seal carver. He was a member of Ichiu-kai, Katayama Ichiu's suiseki club. Suifu's most significant contribution to suiseki was his extensive and detailed box writing. Each time he purchased suiseki, he prepared a kiribako and did box writing of the stone's history and his impressions. His box writing was said to be reliable. Suifu made bonsai pots for his bonsai collection and made daiza for his suiseki. The book offers us an excellent opportunity to learn about a serious Japanese bonsai and suiseki collector. No ISBN was obtained since this is a private publication.

Morimae, S 2014

Japanese Suiseki Exhibition

Rating: Excellent, a must for all serious stone collectors

Nippon Suiseki Association, Inc. Tokyo. 231 pp. ISBN: none. 30,000 Yen, (English translation by Wil Lautenschlager)

This is a very important and welcome new publication from the Nippon Suiseki Association (NSA) in Tokyo. It is the exhibit catalog of a new event that was planned and staged by the new leadership in the NSA. This exhibit, held February 9-13, 2014 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, marked the first time the NSA staged an exhibit in this leading art museum. One hundred sixty-eight stones and fifteen accessory items (suiban, doban, and display tables) were shown including several extraordinary special exhibits of stones and scrolls rarely seen in Japan.

The stones and accessory items are beautifully photographed and illustrated one per page. The commentary is excellent and has been translated into English to facilitate the larger global audience interested in Japanese stones. But not all the stones displayed were Japanese; at least one historically important Chinese stone were also included in the exhibit.

This is a soft bound volume with a glued binding. This work deserved a better binding process and hard covers. Nonetheless, it is a valuable reference.

Morimae, S 2015

The Second Japanese Suiseki Exhibition

Rating: Excellent, a must for all serious stone collectors.

Nippon Suiseki Association, Inc. Tokyo. 215 pp. ISBN: none. 30,000 Yen, (English translation by Wil Lautenschlager)

The Nippon Suiseki Association (NSA) published another valuable reference for students of Japanese stone appreciation. It is the catalog of an exhibit held February 9-13, 2015 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno Park. This event was launched last year by the new leadership in the NSA. This year, a larger number of foreign participants entered stones in this exhibit than in the previous year. This volume is divided into four parts—special entries, tokonoma displays, general entries, and accessories. Five special exhibit stones and 25 tokonoma displays are included along with 127 stones in the general entry section.

The stones and accessory items are beautifully photographed and illustrated one per page. The commentary is excellent and has been translated into English to facilitate the larger global audience interested in Japanese stones. Not all the stones displayed were Japanese; two Chinese stones, an Italian stone, and two stones from Indonesia were also included in the exhibit.

This is a soft-bound volume with a glued binding that is available at a reasonable price from NSA.

Morimae, S 2016

The Third Japanese Suiseki Exhibition

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference for any stone enthusiast’s library

Nippon Suiseki Association, Tokyo. 215 pp. ISBN: none. 3000 Yen when published, (English translated by Wil Lautenschlager and Peter Warren)

This is the third in a series of catalogs from outstanding exhibitions of unusually fine naturally appearing stones appreciated for their aesthetic qualities. The exhibition was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno Park in Tokyo from February 9-13, 2016.

The special entries in this year’s display included the well-known and historically documented bonseki “Kamakura.” Records trace this stone back to the early 1700s in Japan. A series of tokonoma displays are featured next in the catalog. Two pages are provided for each display, one showing just the stone and the other the entire display. The general section featuring stones from Japanese collectors is the largest part of this volume. Next are the stones—a mixture of Japanese and foreign ones—that were accepted for display from collectors outside Japan.

The number of foreign exhibitors, twenty-four, was a dramatic increase over the previous two exhibitions. The prestige of having a stone in this venue is appealing to many non-Japanese stone enthusiasts and contributes to making this more of an international exhibition. The photography is excellent and the text informative.

Morimae, S 2017

The Fourth Japanese Suiseki Exhibition

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference for any stone enthusiast’s library

Nippon Suiseki Association, Tokyo. 207 pp. ISBN: none. 3000 Yen when published, (English translated by Wil Lautenschlager and Peter Warren)

This is the fourth in a series of catalogs from outstanding exhibitions of unusually fine naturally appearing stones appreciated for their aesthetic qualities. The exhibition was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno Park in Tokyo from February 10-13, 2017.

The special entries in this year’s display are featured first in this catalog. An older Chinese stone, bonseki, displayed in a cast bronze, lobed tray was one of seven special exhibits. A series of tokonoma displays are featured next in the catalog. Two pages are provided for each display, one showing just the stone and the other the entire display. The general section featuring stones from Japanese collectors is the largest part of this volume. Next are the stones—a mixture of Japanese and foreign ones—that were accepted for display from collectors outside Japan.

The number of foreign exhibitors, twenty four, was an increase in numbers over the previous two exhibitions. The prestige of having a stone in this venue is appealing to many non-Japanese stone enthusiasts and contributes to making this more of an international exhibition. The photography is excellent and the text informative.

Morimae, S 2018

The Fifth Japanese Suiseki Exhibition

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference for any stone enthusiast’s library

Nippon Suiseki Association, Tokyo. 200 pp. ISBN: none. 3000 Yen when published, (English translated by Wil Lautenschlager and Peter Warren)

This is the fifth in a series of catalogs from outstanding exhibitions of unusually fine, naturally appearing stones appreciated for their aesthetic qualities. The exhibition was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno Park in Tokyo from February 14-17, 2018.

The special entries in this year’s display are featured first in this catalog. A large black Kamo River mountain-shaped stone that has belonged to the Tokogawa Yoshinobu family since the Meiji period was the featured special entry in this year’s exhibition. A series of tokonoma displays are featured next in the catalog. Two pages are provided for each display, one showing just the stone and the other the entire display. The general section featuring stones from Japanese collectors is the largest part of this volume. Next are the stones—a mixture of Japanese and foreign ones—that were accepted for display from seventeen foreign collectors.

The number of foreign exhibitors—nineteen—was a decrease from the previous exhibition when twenty-four non-Japanese participated. The prestige of having a stone in this venue is appealing to many foreign stone enthusiasts and contributes to making this more of an international exhibition. The photography is excellent and the text informative.

Morimae, S 2019

The Sixth Japanese Suiseki Exhibition

Rating: Excellent, This is an essential series of books for all students of suiseki. They are in English and Japanese, with full-page photographs of outstanding stone and a very reasonable price.

Nippon Suiseki Association, Tokyo. 207 pp. ISBN: none. 3000 Yen when published, (English translated by Wil Lautenschlager and Peter Warren)

This is the sixth exhibition catalog of the Japan Suiseki Exhibition staged by the Nippon Suiseki Association at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in February of each year. This annual exhibition has become the premier suiseki show in Japan. This year, the historically important stone, the Bonseki Sue no Matysuyama, was featured. This stone is believed to be traced from old tea ceremony records from the mid-1500s. It is a landscape stone that was displayed in an old bronze tray.

Morimae, S 2020

The Seventh Japanese Suiseki Exhibition

Rating: Excellent, this volume and its earlier companion volumes beautifully illustrate many of the best Japanese stones

Nippon Suiseki Association, Tokyo. 224 pp. ISBN: none. 3000 Yen when published, (English translated by Wil Lautenschlager and Peter Warren)

February 14-18, 2020, the Japan Suiseki Association (JSE) held their 7th annual exhibition in the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno Park. This publication is the catalog of that exhibition. This has become the finest annual exhibition of viewing stones in Japan and sets the standards for suiseki enthusiasts.

This year the JSE staged a special exhibit of stones from the Tama River in place of outstanding examples of display tables, suiban and doban. This practice, featuring stones from a selected river, will continue for the foreseeable future. This is a soft cover volume with a landscape format that best suits the mainly horizontal orientation of the exhibited stones.

Morimae, S 2021

The Eighth Japanese Suiseki Exhibition

Rating: Excellent, tan important reference for enthusiasts of Japanese suiseki.

Nippon Suiseki Association, Tokyo. 232 pp. ISBN: none. 3000 Yen when published, (English translated by Wil Lautenschlager and Peter Warren)

On February 14-18, 2021, the Japan Suiseki Association (JSE) held its 8th annual exhibition in the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno Park. This publication is the catalog of that exhibition. This has become the finest annual exhibition of viewing stones in Japan and sets the standards for suiseki enthusiasts. Unfortunately, foreign visitors could not attend the exhibition due to Covid-19 restrictions. This catalog is the only way for us to see the outstanding stones in the exhibit.

This year, the catalog is divided into special entries, tokonoma displays, and general entries. It is a soft-cover volume with a landscape format that best suits the mainly horizontal orientation of the exhibited stones.

Morimae, S 2022

The Ninth Japanese Suiseki Exhibition

Rating: Excellent.

Nippon Suiseki Association, Tokyo, 200 pages. ISBN: None. 3000 Yen when published (English translated by Wil Lautenschlager and Peter Warren).

On February 14-18, 2022, the Japan Suiseki Association (JSE) held its 9^th annual exhibition in the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno Park under the Covid pandemic restrictions. Few foreign visitors were able to see this exhibition in person. This publication is the catalog of that exhibition.

The catalog is divided into six sections: special entries, tokonoma displays, guest entry, general exhibits, entries from abroad, and a special exhibition. Combined, these sections present an excellent overview of the current status of Japanese suiseki. Studying this catalog and the preceding exhibition catalogs is a great way to learn about suiseki practices in Japan.

Morimae, S 2023

The Tenth Japanese Suiseki Exhibition

Rating: Excellent. This is an essential series of books for all students of suiseki. They are illustrated with full-page photographs of outstanding stones and the books are available at a reasonable price.

Nippon Suiseki Association, Tokyo. 208 pp. ISBN: none. 3000 Yen when published, (English translated by Wil Lautenschlager and Peter Warren)

This is the tenth exhibition catalog of the Japan Suiseki Exhibition (JSE) staged by the Nippon Suiseki Association at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum February 14-18, 2023. This annual exhibition has become the premier suiseki show in Japan. This year, seven stones were selected as Special Entries, followed by seventeen stones in a Special Exhibit section. The latter stones were considered the greatest stones exhibited at the JSE since it began in 2012. This was in celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the JSE.

Morimae Seiji. 2024.

The 61^st Exhibition of Japanese Suiseki Masterpieces

Rating: Excellent, this catalog is a great way to learn about Japanese suiseki.

Koju-en, Tokyo. 153 pp. No ISBN. 1500 Yen when published

The decade from 1960 to 1970 was the beginning of a rapid expansion of interest in Suiseki in Japan, as evidenced by the many guides and introductory books were published during this time. Kenji Murata edited and published two companion books—Modern Suiseki Illustrated in 1962 and a year later Modern Suiseki Photo Book. This volume served as a guide to hunting sites, mainly rivers, in Japan. The two volumes share the same format, size, and almost the same number of pages.

Three Touseki (Chinese stones) and five historical Japanese stones are illustrated prior to the introduction to this book. A two-page What is Sui Seki in English is provided by Keiji Murata. The remainder of the book is a guide to 35 collecting sites throughout Japan. A photograph of each site along with several stones from that site are provided for each of these 35 sites treated in the book.

Keiji Murata is listed as the editor and his father, Kenji Murata, as supervising editor. The two worked closely together to promote Suiseki in Japan.

Nippon Suiseki Association, Inc. 183 pages, No ISBN. 30,000 Yen when published.

The publication of the 61^st Exhibition of Japanese Suiseki Masterpieces (the Meihinten) marks a major change in this important, long-standing annual display of excellent viewing stones. The format has changed from the former and smaller vertically oriented catalog to a larger horizontal (landscape) format that is identical in design and layout to the past ten issues of the Japan Suiseki Exhibition catalogs. The Nippon Suiseki Association moved the Meihinten from its early summer venue at the Meiji Shrine to coincide with the annual Kokufu bonsai exhibition in February at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.

This volume is an exhibition catalog for their February 14-17, 2024 exhibition. The catalog is divided into six sections: Special Entries, followed by Special Exhibits, Tokonoma Displays, a single Guest Entry, General Exhibits, and lastly, Entries from Abroad. This is the largest and finest exhibit of Japanese Suiseki and viewing stones in Japan.

This is a soft cover volume with a landscape format that best suits the mainly horizontal orientation of the exhibited stones. The text is in Japanese and English.

Murata, Keiji Ed. 1962

Modern Suiseki Illustrated

Rating: Good. This volume and its companion volume, Modern Suiseki Photo Book, provide novice collectors with useful information to guide their new hobby

Murata, Keiji 1962

Sui-Seki. Everything about Landscape Stones

Rating: Good, but for its historical value in documenting modern Suiseki. This volume has been superseded by Matsuura’s English language introductory book published in 2010

Juseki-sha, Tokyo. 127 pp. No ISBN number given. 1,000 Yen when published

This small volume was published at the beginning of the “stone boom” that occurred soon after World War II. This was the time that collecting and appreciating stones was rapidly expanding beyond the elite and becoming popular among middle-class workers. The basic information is divided among five chapters. Information and maps guide readers to locations where they can find rocks and the necessary tools and equipment needed to collect them. The volume is well illustrated with black and white photographs of different types of collectible.

This book was first published in 1962 and was in its fourth printing by 1964 clearly illustrating the growing demand for basic information about the Suiseki hobby. This volume by the prolific writer and editor of Suiseki information help to promote the growth in Suiseki hobbyists in the 1960s and 1970s.

Murata Keiji Ed. 1963

Modern Suiseki Photo Book

Rating: Good. An important book in the early part of the modern history of stone appreciation in Japan

Koju-en, Tokyo. 154 pp. No ISBN. 1500 Yen when published

The decade from 1960 to 1970 was the beginning of a rapid expansion of interest in Suiseki in Japan. Many guides and introductory books were published during this time. Kenji Murata edited and published two companion books—Modern Suiseki Illustrated in 1962 and this volume a year later. This book was designed to help people learn how to appreciate excellent stones while the other book served as a guide to stone hunting sites in Japan.

Murata discuss various aspects of the beauty of Suiseki and its history in Japan, followed by numerous photographs and a brief discussion of stones grouped into broad categories—scenic landscape, figure and pattern, colorful, abstract, combinations of stones, and man-made stones. Black and white photographs of stones are used to illustrate these categories; while six color photographs of stones are published in the introduction. At the end, Murata provided lists of stone dealers, daiza makers, and nine people who made Suiseki by carving stones.

While Keiji Murata is listed as editor, his father, Kenji Murata, is listed as supervising editor.

Murata, Keiji Ed. 1966

How To Enjoy Suiseki Series

Rating: Good, mainly for the study of the development of suiseki during the rapid expansion period of stone hobbyists in Japan

Juseki sha, Tokyo. No ISBN numbers, 580 Yen each when published

1. Appreciation: How to View and Appreciate Suiseki, 146 pages

2. Creation: How to Cultivate and Polish Suiseki, 152 pages

3. Production: How to Place and Display Suiseki, 146 pages.

These three volumes were written by recognized suiseki experts and published in the 1960s at the time of the rapid expansion of interest among the general public in the hobby of collecting, preparing, and displaying attractive stones. The 1960s and 1970s saw the number of people involved in suiseki grow from the thousands to hundreds of thousands and perhaps to over one million hobbyists. During this time, a plethora of books were published to help guide novices through the processes of creating suitable stone displays. Keiji Murata and his father, Kenji, were among the most prolific writers and editors of this period.

The volumes cover from the features of various stones around Japan, how to make daiza, how to display stones in Western style living rooms, shops and apartments, how to cut and polish stones and even an experiment of using abstract stones. Murata enlisted Katayama Teiichi, Yoshimura Eiji, Tanimoto Hyakusui, Kobayashi Soichi and even his father to write the articles in these three books.

These three books were must-have items for stone collectors in the 1960s as they provided the full range of information needed to be become skilled stone collectors and connoisseurs.

Murata, Keiji 1966

Introduction to Suiseki

Rating: Very Good. This is a great introductory volume superior to most other comparable books issued in the 1960s.

Ikeda Shoten, Tokyo. 259 pages, no ISBN, 350 Yen when published.

By Hiromo Nakaoji

This small handbook to introduce Suiseki to beginners is very comprehensive and thorough. This may be the reason that the then-famous Suiseki collectors such as Takahashi Teisuke, Kobayashi Soichi, and others commended this book in the preface. The book begins with a chapter on why we are attracted to stones in general terms. Then the book continues with ten more major sections, including the ABCs of suiseki, How to learn the appreciation of suiseki, The reality of collection, Stone hunting, Places of stone hunting, Introduction of collectors, and so forth. At the very end, this book has a list of stone clubs that were active when the book was published. This is a must-have book.

Murata, Kenji. Ed. 1966

Suiseki

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference for serious students of Japanese stones.

Kimimi-sha publishing company. Tokyo. 163 pages, no ISBN. Large format 25.5 x 36 cm (10 x 14.2 inches). In Japanese.

By Hiromi Nakaoji

This book is one of the most beautiful and comprehensive suiseki books published in Japan in the 1960s. Thirteen people contributed short essays, including a calligrapher, an artist, a writer, the chief editor of a suiseki magazine, and other informed individuals. One of the articles written by Yoshimura Eiji includes his now well known "Law of Three Sides." Other topics covered in these essays include the joy of suiseki, the meaning of suiseki, standards for suiseki, bonseki, and the role of Rai Sankyo. This book photographs of famous Japanese stones, 18 are printed in color with another 40 susieki presented in black and white. Seventy-nine pages of photos of landscape stones, flower pattern stones, and figure stones follow the section on famous stones.

In summary, this volume gives you the mid-1960s concepts of the leading suiseki experts and offers a complete picture of the famous Japanese suiseki.

Murata, Kenji. Ed. 1969

Nippon Suiseki Meikan (Excellent Dictionary of Japanese Suiseki)

Juseki-sha, Tokyo. 136 pages. No ISBN. In slipcover. 2,500 yen when published.

by Hiromi Nakaoji

This book was published when suiseki was near the peak of its popularity in Japan. One hundred excellent stones were selected and featured in this volume. Some photographs are in color, while others are published in black and white. One of the famous chrysanthemum flower stones, Moon Light Mum, is included in this book. A few years later, the owner, Isazaki Tanekichi, gifted this stone to the US as part of the donation of bonsai and suiseki in celebration of the Bicentennial in 1976. This stone was displayed in the White House during President Gerald Ford’s visit with Japanese Emperor, Hirohitio.

In addition to the photographs of the stones, Murata wrote a chapter about the history of suiseki and stone appreciation, conditions of excellent stones, the limitations of working stones, Bunjin paintings and suiseki appreciation approaches, and warnings about displays.

Rating: Excellent; a valuable reference to learn about Suiseki.

Murata, Keiji 1969

Encyclopedia of the Hobby of Suiseki

Rating: Not Recommended, unless you want to have a complete set of Japanese publications about suiseki.

Hoikusha Publishing Company, Osaka. 151 pp., no ISBN, 230 yen when published.

This small, inexpensive softcover volume is an introduction to the art of Japanese suiseki. This might be the first book a person would buy to gain a broad overview of the subject. Suiseki was published as collecting and displaying stones was gaining in popularity in Japan. It begins by illustrating different types of stones and where they occur. Brief information is included about collecting stones in nature and the basics of display methods.

This book has little to offer current suiseki enthusiasts in Japan and other countries.

Murata, Keiji 1969

Encyclopedia of the Hobby of Suiseki

Rating: Very good, a valuable reference for suiseki hobbyists who are able to read Japanese

Juseki-sha, Tokyo, 2014 pages, No ISBN number. 730 Yen when published

(Sumino no Suiseki Hyaka) This book is an encyclopedia of suiseki that is divided into basics, practice, production areas, and references. It first explains the differences among suiseki, bonsai, fantastic stones, biseki, and garden stones. This volume also explains the five elements comprising the beauty of suiseki. In the practice section, the author explains how to conduct stone hunting trips along with how to make daiza. The book even describes how to make a good suiseki by cutting. This small book is unusual in that it has a section of terms and list suiseki clubs in Japan in 1966.

Murata, Keiji Ed. 1974

The Beauty of Suiseki

Rating: Very Good, presents a new way of looking at suiseki.

Juseki, Tokyo. 202 pages. No ISBN. 6,500 Yen when published hardbound in slip case

by Hiromi Nakaoji

Murata Keiji was the leading proponent of suiseki in Japan during the 1960s through the 1980s. During this time, he wrote and edited many books on the practical aspects of collecting, displaying, and appreciating stones. This volume is more a reflection of his thoughts and ideas on the beauty of suiseki. Murata worked closely with an enthusiastic photographer, Adachi Hiroshi, who photographed many stones and then took close-up photos of different features of each stone. Murata then selected the ones to include in this book.

This volume begins with sixteen pages of color photographs of excellent suiseki that sets the stage for remaining materials. The majority of the contents is devoted to black and white photographs, first of an individual suiseki followed by close up shots of the prominent features of that rock. The intent is to encourage people to look carefully at all the features present in a stone and not just the overall impression. The black and white photographs do not come close to matching today’s standards in digital photography.

The book concludes with 20 pages of Murata’s thoughts on the origin of suiseki, literati hobby and suiseki, the world of poetic mountains and waters, conditions of excellent stones, and the aesthetic concepts of wabi and sabi.

Murata, Keiji. Ed. 1981

Suiseki, Poetic Sentiments of Mountains and Waters

Rating: Excellent, This book is a must for suiseki hobbyists.

174 pages, Juseki-sha. Tokyo. No ISBN. 2,000 Yen when published.

By Hiromi Nakaoji

This book is an extra issue to “Bonsai World,” a monthly magazine published by Murata. Murata opens this book with a statement that Bonsai and Suiseki are the hobbies of car wheels, meaning people love bonsai along with Suiseki and vice versa. Since his magazine Bonsai World attracted much attention to the suiseki-related articles and pictures, Murata decided to publish this book. This book presents over 240 photos of suiseki and related items. Next, Murata presented 11 chapters of how to enjoy suiseki, including display, suiban, tenpai, and the beauty of suiseki, in which he explains aesthetics of wabi and sabi. This is a very comprehensive book to understand suiseki written by the most respected authority in Japan at this time. Since 80% of the book are photos and illustrations, non-Japanese speaking people can enjoy the book. Eleven chapters of how to enjoy suiseki provide excellent information in understanding these stones.

Murata, Keiji & Maeda Susumu 1967

Biseki and Chinseki (Beautiful and Rare Stones)

Rating: not recommended.

Juseki-sha, Tokyo. 216 pages. 380 Yen when published.

This is the only book that is wholly devoted to biseki and chinseki. The authors provide definitions of these two broad categories of viewing stones and information about where these stones are found. The term chinseki was sometimes used to refer to Chinese stones in the late 1800s in Japan. Yet, in this volume, the authors use the term for rare and natural stones from Japan. Murata and Maeda define biseki as beautiful in color and pattern but also as polished stones. Chrysanthemum flower stones from Neo Valley and Plum flower stones from Kyushu are given as examples of chinseki. Polished chrysanthemum flower stones are considered as biseki in this book.

Biseki and Chinseki was published at the beginning of the suiseki boom in Japan and appears to be a hastily assembled book rather than a more scholarly work. While the book was designed to add a different perspective in viewing and categorizing suiseki, it creates confusion about what these terms represent.

Nippon Bonsai and Suiseki Meishin Taikei

Nippon Bonsai Association, Eds. 1986

Kodansha Publishing Company, Tokyo.12 volumes. ISBN: 06-19040-2. Large format.

The Japan Bonsai Association published a large format 36.4 x 25.7 cm (14.3 x 10.1 inches), twelve-volume illustrated book on bonsai and suiseki. This ambitious project has produced the most comprehensive set of large color photographs of the different types of bonsai and suiseki at the height of the popularity of these art forms in Japan. The Japanese words Meishin Taikei as “excellent item system” indicate the efforts to feature the best trees and stones of this time.

The first three volumes are devoted to Simpaku juniper bonsai. Volumes three through six covers all other types of bonsai except for shohin (volume 7) and Satsuki azaleas (volumes eight and nine). Volumes ten and eleven are devoted solely to viewing stones. The twelfth and final volume emphasizes appreciating and displaying these stylized trees and stones.

The stones illustrated in the two suiseki volumes were carefully selected and represent many outstanding stones. The photographs of each stone are large, allowing us to examine each stone in detail. More detailed information about each stone is given in the latter pages of the two volumes. The first of the two suiseki volumes contains background essays. The two main essays are The Heart of Suiseki by historian Naramoto Tatsuya followed by Stones I Love by Ohyabu Masataka. Five other shorter essays are provided but without author information. The volumes are nicely designed and produced with silk cloth hard covers.

These two volumes of excellent suiseki may have served as the precursor to the 1988 publication Excellent Japan Suiseki Grand View by Matsuura and Yoshimura and Historical Stones by Takahashi, also published in 1988.

Rating: Excellent, an important but hard-to-find reference on Japanese suiseki.

Nippon Suiseki Association 1998

Important Suiseki and Accessories Certified by the Nippon Suiseki Association I

Rating: Excellent, a great way to learn what constitutes an excellent Japanese suiseki and outstanding examples of display tables-suiban and doban

Nippon Suiseki Association. 96 pp. Paper slip case. No ISBN number. 8,000 yen

Japanese stone appreciation culture grew steadily after the founding of the Nippon Suiseki Association (NSA) in May 1961. This was due, in part, to a plethora of new books and magazines that helped to popularize Japanese suiseki. This coincided with a long period of economic prosperity. Nearly four decades later, the number of stones in collections had grown considerably and many were being recognized as outstanding. The NSA began a project to certify important suiseki and accessory items. This volume was the first of three books to be published.

This is a photo album containing 164 illustrations, 144 plates of stones, 9 of display tables, and 11 of doban or suiban . There are two items displayed per page and each contains a brief description, dimensions, and name of the owner. This is a quality publication and the illustrations are sharp. It is an excellent book to study and learn what the NSA considers to be outstanding stones. All the stones illustrated in this volume are native Japanese stones. There is virtually no text other than captions; thus, non-Japanese reading audiences can easily benefit from this volume.

Nippon Suiseki Association 2001

Important Suiseki and Accessories Certified by the Nippon Suiseki Association II

Rating: Excellent, this photo album is a great way to learn the features of outstanding stones

Nippon Suiseki Association. 84 pp. Cloth slip case. No ISBN number. 8,000 Yen

This is the second in a series of books published by the Nippon Suiseki Association. It continues their undertaking to identify important stones and accessories in Japan. This volume extends the number of items from 164 in volume I to 294 designated in this second volume. This includes 25 trays, 7 tables, and 96 stones. In addition, there are twelve stones presented on the first pages that are given the designation of “especially important stones.” These appear to be ones held by institutions rather than individuals. The eight natural saba chrysanthemum stones indicates the importance of these stones in Japanese stone appreciation.

There is limited Japanese text. The book begins with one-half page of text in Japanese, and each photograph is accompanied by a brief caption to identify the name, type, dimensions, and owner. This is a quality hard bound book in a cloth slip case.

Nippon Suiseki Association 2011

Important Suiseki and Accessories Certified by the Nippon Suiseki Association III

Rating: Very good, but the quality of the objects doesn’t quite seem to match the quality seen in the first two volumes in the series

Nippon Suiseki Association. 64 pages. No ISBN number. 8000 Yen when published

This is the third in a series of books that features viewing stones and different accessories (trays, display tables, and small figures) that are considered to be important by the Nippon Suiseki Association (NSA). There are 106 items, mostly stones, included in this volume. Two stones or accessories are reproduced per page except for the first and last pages where a single stone is illustrated. Consulting the three books in this series provides insights to the features of a stone that the NSA considers to be important. Several stones included in the book have been partially or totally worked.

As in the early volumes in this series, there is very limited text. This is an album of photographs to be enjoyed. The photographs are sharp, showing great detail.

Nippon Suiseki Association 2018

58th Exhibition of Japanese Suiseki Masterpieces

Nippon Suiseki Association, Tokyo. 72 pp. no ISSN number. 2,000 yen

The catalog of the 58th exhibition of Japanese Suiseki masterpieces has just been published by the Nippon Suiseki Association (NSA). This year’s Meihinten, held June 6-10, 2018, consisted of 61 stones, many of which are owned by Japanese stone dealers and members of the board of the NSA. The quality of the stones illustrated is very good. The format is comparable to previous recent volumes with one stone illustrated per page. The last 12 pages are devoted to a summer 2017 display held in 2 different sessions: June 30 – July 12, 2017 and – July 14-26, 2017 at the Omiya Bonsai Museum organized by the NSA.

The Meihinten was the premier stone exhibition in Japan. Since the Japan Suiseki Exhibition began annual exhibitions in 2012 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in February of each year, the number of stones displayed at the Meihinten has been decreasing along with a decline in the number of foreign participants. The 2012 Meihinten catalog illustrated 76 stones, a significant reduction from the 2008 exhibit catalog which illustrated 129 stones.

Nippon Suiseki Association, 2023

Exhibition of Japanese Suiseki Masterpieces

Rating: Excellent. This catalog and the previous ones are one of the most important publications to study and learn about the beautiful art of Japanese Suiseki.

Nippon Suiseki Association. 106 pages, No ISBN. 3000 Yen.

The latest Meihenten exhibition of Japanese Masterpiece Suiseki was held from June 3-7, 2023 at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo and included outdoor and indoor displays of stones. The larger stones were displayed in an outdoor setting while the smaller stones displays were held in a large indoor room. This Shinto shrine is a major religious center and tourist attraction for its beautiful gardens. This year 67 stones were displayed including 9 stones exhibited by foreign stone collectors. The stone displays are beautifully illustrated, one per page.

In addition to documenting the Meihinten, this volume also includes three smaller exhibitions that were jointed sponsored by the Nippon Suiseki Association and the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama City. The exhibits in 2019, 2021, and 2022 in the museum were open for a month, and each consisted of two sessions to permit more stones to be displayed. No exhibit was held in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic. The tokonoma in the museum were used for the exhibited, Mountain and Water Cool Landscapes, of selected landscape stones.

Ohishi, Tanseki 1976

Kamogawa Stones of Kyoto Illustrated

Rating: excellent: one of the most important books on Kamo River stones

Kamogawa Stones Publishing Office. 175 pages. No ISBN number, no price given, hardbound in slipcase

By Hiromi Nakaoji

This is an important book that illustrates many famous Kamo River stones from the collections of well-known suiseki connoisseurs and hobbyists including stones from the Rai Sanyo collection. This is a private publication by Mr. Ohishi Tanseki who was a famous stone collector in Kyoto. It was the first book to illustrate these stones together with accurate geological information about them. As a result, it is a must-have book for Japanese stone enthusiasts. Stones from this river and its tributaries were among the earliest and most important suiseki collected in Japan. This volume describes the tributaries of the Kamo River. Kyoto’s respected geologist Masutomi Kazunosuke contributed a short summary of the geology of Kyoto for this volume. Murata Keiji wrote a short summary at the end of the book.

It is amazing to learn from this volume that there were 11 active suiseki clubs in Kyoto in 1976, each of which had between 13 and 200 members. Also, a Japan Susieki School was established in 1968 and had graduated 700 students by the time this book was published. There are 30 color photographs of stones in the first part of the book, while the remainder are reproduced in black and white.

Onuki Chuzo, 1967

Suiseki

Rating: Excellent, an important reference to understand Japanese suiseki in the 1960s.

Kyuryudo, Co. Ltd, Tokyo. No ISBN and unpaginated. 34 x 26 cm, 8 lbs, 8.3 oz with the slipcover.

By Hiromi Nakaoji

This massive, oversized book was written by Onuki Chuzo, a prominent suiseki collector in the 1950s and 1960s. He collected suiseki for many years and wanted to publish a book featuring his collection of stones to illustrate his insight and understanding of suiseki. He was successful in accomplishing his task. This book contains three short essays at the beginning, including a preface by Tanikawa Tetsuzo, an essay by the famous painter Higashiyama Kaii, and one by Tsuya Hiromichi, Professor Emeritus of Geology at Tokyo University. These essays are in both Japanese and English, as are his descriptions of 116 stones. A colored plate is included for each stone with the descriptive information on the facing page. Many but not all the stones illustrated in this book are from his collection.

Seven essays follow the illustrations and the description of the stones. Some of the essays are Onuki’s thoughts on suiseki. One of the articles is a history of suiseki by Murata Kenji, the leader in Japanese suiseki at that time. Only two of the seven articles are not accompanied by an English translation—Appreciation of Suiseki by Yoshimura Eiji and Trends of the Suiseki World by Murata Kenji. It is rare to see a Japanese suiseki publication from the 1960s with an English translation. This is a must-have book for all the suiseki hobbyists who prefer to read in English. The original price was 9,000 yen. You may find it online at Japanese used book sites at $150-180 excluding shipping cost.

Saito, Hiromu. 2024

Stones, Grasses, and Flowers of Four Seasons

by Hiromi Nakaoji

Rating: very good, recommended

Privately published. 120 pages. No ISBN.

Mr. Saito, a longtime collector of stones, developed a keen sense of display in the Japanese tradition. This book was based upon articles and images that he published in the monthly Japanese language magazine Aiseki from November 2019 to December 2023. Mr. Tatehata Kengo, the chief editor of Aiseki magazine, happed to see Saito’s Instagram and he was impressed by the quality of Saito’s display. Saito began using Instagram to communicate with his daughter who lived in New Zealand to make sure his life would be fine after his wife passed. Mr. Tatehata asked Saito to write an article for his monthly magazine. This is how things started. Saito wrote 50 articles in the magazine to the end. After Saito finished the magazine articles, he decided to make a book out of those articles he wrote. Now we can enjoy his book of displays and short essays.

This book is about Saito, and his way of enjoying life with stones, plants, scrolls, and other items in his everyday life. Saito began Bonsai over 50 years ago. He entered his bonsai to Kokufu and he won two awards. He began his interest in stones over 20 years ago when he first went to stone hunting at Mizunashi River in Niigata. He found a wonderful Hakkaisan stone with a beginner’s luck (See page 16 in his book). This finding motivated him to be more into stones. Saito’s displays are very beautiful and delightful. He has developed his own way of displays without referencing Katayama’s School of Keido. We can understand his excellent sense of beautiful displays in the numerous arrangements presented in this volume. This book presents very practical ways to learn about the Japanese display of stones and their companions. It is a delightful book to view and learn from the many fine illustrations, even if you are not fluent in Japanese.

Sapporo Aiseki-kai Association, 2021

The 23th Sapporo Aiseki-kai Exhibition, October 9 & 10

Rating: Very good, continuing documentation of the stones of Hokkaido

Sapporo Aiseki-kai Association. 44 pages, No ISBN.

This exhibition of thirty-five stones was held at the Sapporo Citizens’ Gallery. Normally, many more stones are displayed at this annual event because stone clubs throughout Hokkaido participate. However, the pandemic disrupted the normal pattern of activities on this northern-most major island in Japan. Hokkaido is well known for its black basaltic Kamuikotan stones from the Ishikari River, the striking Kotaro stones from the interior mountains in North Central Hokkaido, and the scenic Pompera stones from the northern coastal regions.

The majority of the stones in this exhibit—thirty-two out of thirty-five—are from Hokkaido. The hard, dark black stones from the Kamuikotan region continue to dominate exhibitions due to their striking features. The more rugged subdued reddish Kotaro stones add diversity and additional appeal. We applaud the Sapporo Aiseki-kai clubs for producing this volume in these trying pandemic circumstances.

Sasaki, Ken-ichi. Ed. 2010

Asian Aesthetics

Rating: This is a good starting point for those wishing to learn about Asian aesthetics. From here, you can pursue more in-depth studies in each of these areas.

Kyoto University Press. Kyoto, Japan. 309 pages. ISBN 978-4-87698-1.

The path to becoming a viewing stone connoisseur is not an easy route. The practice of collecting and appreciating unusual and beautiful stones originated in China and spread to Korea and Japan where it was adapted to the cultures of those counties. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an even rudimentary understanding of Asian aesthetics if a collector is to advance. Most stone collectors in non-Asian countries have heard of the Japanese aesthetic terms Wabi and Sabi and a few other Japanese terms. But, they have little understanding beyond that of the aesthetic concepts in China, Korea, India, and other Asian countries or how those concepts have changed over time. I found this book to be more helpful than other books and much of the Information on the Internet. Sasaki Ken-ichi, the editor, is a Professor of Aesthetics at Nihon University in Tokyo and a Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo. He assembled a team of scholars to examine the artistic traditions in different Asian countries and published their findings in this volume. The book is divided into five sections—Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian aesthetics.

Sato, Kanseki 2010

Introduction of the Way of Stones: Joy of Stones

Rating: Excellent, one of the best modern books published on Japanese stones

Japan Stone Way Association, Tokyo, 378 pages. No ISBN number. 8,000 Yen when published

By Hiromi Nakaoji

This is one of the most comprehensive contemporary books on Japanese stone appreciation. It is interesting that the term suiseki is not used in this book. Instead, Sato, refers to Japanese rocks as viewing stones, or simply stones. In Japan what is called ‘dou’ (道)meaning way is one set of an organized system of something such as Sado (tea ceremony), Kado (flower arrangement), Keido (way of display) and so on. In this book, Sato obviously attempts to provide us an entire system of enjoying stones.

This book consists of three major chapters; (1) Basics, (2) Practice, and (3) Studies. In the first chapter on Basics, Sato covers history, how to view stones, and four factors of wonderful stones. It is interesting that he describes 20 effects of the stone hobby, which he calls 20 benefits of stone way. Some of the benefits are physical and moral well-being, while others are psychological or religious. These benefits contribute to a long and healthy life. In the Practice chapter, Sato covers stone hunting, how to display including the use of suiban, table, tokonoma, and accessories, as well as seasonal and seasonless displays. In the final chapter, Sato discusses the beauty whether it is natural or artificial, Wabi and Sabi, and ugliness and beauty. He further discusses the spirituality of stones.

This is a very ambitious book of Sato to cover all aspects of stone appreciation in Japan referring to China occasionally. He is now considered as one of the most knowledgeable persons on stones in Japan. Yes, it is a must-read book. Unfortunately, only a Japanese language version is available.

Sen-En-Kyo 2005 and 2007

Suiseki, An Art Created by Nature. The Nyogakuan Collection of Japanese Viewing Stones Vol. I and II

Rating: Excellent, one of the most important set of books on Japanese suiseki

Bee Books. Mitsumura Printing Company, Tokyo. ISBN: 4-89615-989-6. 18,000 yen when published and

Bee Books, Mitsumura Printing Company, Tokyo. ISBN: 978-4-89615-994-3. 18,000 Yen when published

This volume and its accompanying volume II published in 2007 are two of the most important references for English reading audiences to learn about Japanese stone appreciation. They contain more detailed information about Japanese stones than most other works published in Japan. The book was produced by Sen-En-Kyo, son of Nyogakuan and Kin-ichi Yoshimura, Standing Advisor to the Japan Suiseki Association and owner of the bonsai nursery Kofu-en. Yoshimura provided editorial supervision to these publications. Volumes I is devoted to an account of the stones collected by Nyogakuan, the author’s father. It was an outstanding and important collection assembled in modern Japan. Volume II is devoted to Sen-En-Kyo’s personal collection which compliments his father’s collection. Fortunately, these two volumes are in Japanese and English.

The first half of the volume I is devoted to stones collected in the Kamo river and its various tributaries. This is followed by descriptions and photographs of several Seta River stones followed by single Kamuikotan, Akadama, Saji River, Iyo Blue, and Yoroi stones. A series of valuable illustrated essays include information about the famous Iwasaki collection; information about basins, trays, and tables; and an informative essay on the tea ceremony and suiseki.

Volume II describes and illustrates 19 additional Kamo River stones, and several Seta River, Saji River, Iyo, Ibi River, Tama River stones. This is followed by two sections, one devoted to Furuya and the other to chrysanthemum stones. These two sections are especially valuable to developing a good understanding of these two important Japanese stone types. Another section on two of the most prominent creators of tiny bronze figures used to accompany stones provides further insight. There are additional contributions about the art of suiseki and the Sencha tea ceremony round out this fine volume. It ends with notes about the provenance of the stones illustrated in this book.

Both of these high quality volumes are beautifully illustrated with sharp professional photographs throughout. These are essential books in any serious student’s quest to learn and understand Japanese suiseki.

Shimazn Mitsuo 2016

Akadama, Red Jasper in Sado

Rating: Good, an important general reference for these stones, but it is not a photo album of akadama suiseki

Sado Excellent Stone Association, Sado, Japan. 101 pages. No ISBN. 1000 Yen

The Sado Island red akadama stones are well-known among collectors of Japanese suiseki. They are admired for their varying shades of dark red color often mixed with black and brown shades. This volume provides readers with a good overview of the discovery and use of this stone that originates on the sixth largest island in Japan. Shimazn describes how akadama was first used to make beads over two thousand years ago. Later, it was used for garden landscape stones, then in more modern times used for indoor ornamental stones—suiseki. He describes both akadama (red jasper), and aodama (green jasper), as fine-grained aggregates of amorphous silica and fine-grained silica minerals with hematite and green clay.

The use of akadama for indoor decorative pieces that have been shaped and polished, and as susieki is well-documented and illustrated in this useful book. There are very few references available for learning about these stones; Akadama, Red Jasper in Sado is the only readily available book at a reasonable price for students of Japanese stone appreciation.

Shizuoka Prefecture Western Suiseki Federation, 1987

Mikura-ishi Illustrated. Excellent Stones of Enshu

Shizuoka. 102 pp. No ISBN. Hardbound with a slipcover.

Mikura stones are removed from the soil in hills in Mori Town in western Shizuoka Prefecture. There are different morphological types of stones found in Enshu, the old name for Shizuoka.

Rounded ball-shaped stones, either entire or in varying degrees of decomposition, are the best-known stone types found here. Some scenic landscape stones originating here closely resemble Furya stones from Wakayama Prefecture. This region also has produced nice object and pattern stones. Mukura stones are cleaned before they are suitable for display as suiseki.

This small volume is for serious students and collectors of Japanese suiseki. The photographs are black and white.

Rating: Very Good, a valuable reference for the stones from western Shizuoka Prefecture

Shunkaen Bonsai Museum, 2022

The World of Bonsai Artist Kunio Kobayashi

Rating: Excellent, an important reference for students of Japanese Suiseki.

Woman Press. Tokyo. 323 pages. ISBN: 978-4-434-30825-3. 15,000 yen when published.

This lavish and beautifully produced volume is the third and final in a series of books that Kobayashi planned to produce. After five decades of study and work with bonsai and suiseki, he wanted his series of books to preserve what he had learned about these art forms and to promote the Keido style of display. It is a book filled with emotion, beauty, and the refined sense of aesthetics found the Japanese bonsai world.

The book’s heart consists of five chapters—Bonsai and Suiseki are Two Halves that Make a Whole; Bonsai; Suisek; Suiban; and Shouku-Tenkei. Kobayashi is a strong advocate for the close relationship between trees and stones. He believe that bonsai and suiseki are two wheels through which one can experience the finest tokonoma displays and sekikarzi (stone displays). The first chapter begins with a discussion in Chinese, Japanese, and English of a prized stone that is the extreme art of allusion. This is an important example and concept for all of us to study. He then presents and elaborates in three languages the Special Entries from each of the first nine Japan Suiseki Exhibitions held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The exquisitely photographed section on bonsai, mainly Shimpaku junipers, reinforces Kobayashi’s belief that bonsai are an expression of life. When properly displayed in a tokonoma, the trees emanate the unique Japanese expression of beauty.

Suzuki, Tsutomu Ed. 1979

Traditional Beauty: Bonsai and Suiseki. Sekai-bunka-sha

Rating: Excellent, a valuable, richly illustrated book on bonsai and suiseki.

Tokyo. 299 page, large format 26 x 36.5 cm. No ISBN. 13,000 Yen when published.

By Hiromi Nakaoji

We believe the editor of this book was the president of the Sekai-bunka-sha, a publishing company in Tokyo. He is not well-known in bonsai and suiseki, however, he developed this volume with guidance from major bonsai and suiseki leaders such as Murata Kyuzo, Murata Kenji, Katayama Teiich, and others. As a result, this book is one of the best guides to understanding Japanese bonsai and suiseki. The book consists of two sections; bonsai and suiseki. There are over 400 photographs of excellent bonsai and suiseki. In addition to the photos, this book has descriptions on the shape of the trees, the production site of suiseki, tokonoma displays of 74 bonsai, and the cultural history of bonsai and suiseki. It is a must-have book for serious collectors of suiseki and viewing stones. The original price of the book is 13,000 yen ($130). Now you can find some used copies of this book on the Japanese website www.kosho.or.jp with a price range of $30-50.

Takahashi, T. 1988

Historical Stones

Rating: Recommended, an important reference in the study of older historically important stones in Japan

Ishi-no-bi-sha, Tokyo. 280 pp., limited edition of 500 copies

(Densho-seki) The author selected approximately 160 historically important stones in Japan and provided background information about each one. Each stone is illustrated with a full page color illustration except for a few black and white illustrations at the end of the book. Sixteen are clearly identified as Chinese stones in this volume. A seventeen one, a Chinese Yellow Wax stone, is illustrated on page 135 but is not identified as to its origin. This helps to document the strong influence Chinese stones had on Japanese stone appreciation. Many of the early important stones that were collected and valued came from China. A Furuya stone on pages 266 and 267 is named “Mi Fu” because its shape resembles a man bowing. This is in reference to the famous Song dynasty Chinese calligrapher and stone collection, Mi Fu, who gained famed for his practice of bowing and paying respects to a large outdoor stone. Some Japanese stone collectors were well informed about Chinese stone appreciation events such as Mi Fu bowing and showing respect to a large irregular-shaped stone.

Takama, S & Kobayashi, S 1963

Illustrated Ibi River Stones

Rating: Good, mainly for historical value

Ibi River Aiseki-kai, Ibi-gawa Town. 120 pages, No ISBN number. 1500 Yen when published

This volume contains stones collected in the Ibi River and some of its tributaries. Several Neo Chrysanthemum Flower stones are included in this work because they are attributed to the Neo River, one of the tributaries to the Ibi River. This is a book that appeared during the early years of the modern boom in stones appreciation in Japan. It is the product of a club of that focused on just stones from the Ibi River. Photographs of the stones and scenes of the Ibi River are black and white except for a few color illustrations in the first few pages of this book.

Takeuchi Takema & Murata Keiji, 1976

Eds. 4^th edition. Bonsai Pots and Suiban

Rating: Excellent, one of the more important volumes produced in the 1970s. The information is still pertinent today.

Juseki-sha, Tokyo. No ISBN. 222 pages. 3000 Yen when published.

By Hiromi Nakaoji

This is a very comprehensive book for bonsai and suiseki hobbyists since the book deals with both bonsai pots and suiseki suiban. Over 30 wonderful pots are introduced in color. Takeuchi’s chapter on bonsai pots includes the history, shape, and suggestions for pairing bonsai and pots. In the following chapter, Murata discusses suiban and how to use them. He includes a brief history of suiban, types of suiban, and how to match the color and seasonality. The book lists over 30 active potters at the time of publication. This important volume summarizes the use of bonsai pots and suiban in Japan concisely but thoroughly. It is a must-have book for understanding suiban and its use in Japanese stone appreciation practices.

Tanaka, Mitsuteru 1967

Small Stones for Hobby

Rating: Good. It is an interesting book, but not recommended unless you are specializing in small stones or wanting to have a complete collection of suiseki books.

Kin’en-sha, Tokyo. 313 pp., no ISBN. 380 Yen when published.

This book was published at the height of the suiseki hobby in Japan. Tanaka, the author, was a member of Musashino International Aiseki-kai. This fact tells us that suiseki hobbyists were very active at that time. Tanaka focused on small stones in this book. He defines small suiseki as having a width of 15-30 cm. Tanaka recognizes smaller categories such as “Shojo-seki” or palm-size, and “Mame suiseki,” the smallest size.

In addition to the size of the stone, this book covers all aspects of suiseki. This includes a brief history, types of suiseki, how to collect small suiseki, how to go stone hunting, Japan’s stone hunting sites, daiza & suiban, polishing & cutting stones, and geology for stone hobbyists. It is impressive to find a book written by a hobbyist that covers so many aspects of the suiseki hobby.

Tanimoto, H & Murata Keiji 1969

Furuya Famous Stones, Comprehensive Illustrations

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference about these important stones

Juseki-sha, Tokyo. 151 pages, No. ISBN. 4000 Yen when published

This is the must-have book for suiseki hobbyists who would like to learn about Furuya stones. The limited edition book was published during the suiseki boom in Japan. It provides information about production sites and photos of famous Furuya stones. It also provides a list of collectors, the history and appreciation of the stones, and guidance about daiza making. Tanimoto Hyakusui was a well-known Furuya stone daiza maker who lived in the area in Wakayama prefecture where these stones were found. Tanimoto wrote about the people related to Furuya including Mera Hekisai and Rai San-yo. The photos in this book are black and white, but all the stones have descriptions, which makes reading this book interesting. The postscript was written by Murata regarding his personal relationship with Furuya stones. This book is very rare and difficult to obtain. Owners of a copy of this book are truly fortunate.

Tanokami, Takashi & Umahashi, Tomohisa 2002

Regarding Suiseki

Sanseki-do Shoten, Tokyo. 204 + i-ix. ISBN: 4-88142-488-2. 1600 Yen when published

(Suiseki-wo-megutte) This book was written to introduce stone appreciation to new audiences. The opening chapter, Landscape of the Heart, present basic information about how to appreciate stones. The following five chapters address different aspects of Japanese suiseki for experienced and novice stone collectors. The meaning of suiseki followed by a history of its practice provide valuable background information for novice collectors. Chapter four informs readers about how to evaluate suiseki, while chapter five provides some basic geological information using Fuji and Arai Rivers as examples. The last chapter deals with the nature and origin of suiseki.

This book is unique compared with most other Japanese suiseki books since it includes a bibliography and index along with geological descriptions of how many stones are formed. Not much is known about the authors, but I assume that they are stone collectors who have doubts about how suiseki are dealt with in Japan. They say at the beginning that there is room for improvement in the current suiseki communities. The authors are familiar with the Japanese geological literature as well as a familiarity with Taoism philosophy expressed in chapter four.

Tatehata, Kengo Ed. 2010

Modern Japanese Excellent Stones Illustrated. Volume I

Rating: Excellent, a great field guide to the wide range of Japanese viewing stones collected by stone enthusiasts in the country

Aiskei Company. 248 pp. No ISBN number. 5,800 Yen when published

Japanese Viewing Stones by the Area of Origin. This is an excellent guide to the natural stone of Japan organized by their source location. It is divided into forty major segments, each representing a different geographic areas of the country. These areas, mostly rivers, are identified, and then several stones are illustrated from each of the forty locations. The result is a great soft-cover field guide to the stones of Japan. It can be used as an identification guide because of the numerous beautiful photographs of high quality stones. Stone enthusiasts can quickly gain a good overview of the wide range of stones that are part of the suiseki culture in Japan. Readers will be amazed at some of the colorful and abstract shaped stones included in this work. These complement the many landscape type stones that are also illustrated.

Tatehata, Kengo 2014

Modern Japan Excellent Stones Illustrated II

Rating: Excellent, a great field guide to the wide range of Japanese viewing stones collected by stone enthusiasts in the country

Aiseki-sha Company, Tokyo. 248 pages. 6,300 Yen when published

Japanese Viewing Stones by the Area of Origin. This generously illustrated volume presents stones found in forty different sites throughout Japan. It is intended to be an aid to hobbyists and local stone appreciation clubs who enjoy going to various rivers to search for new suiseki specimens. This book complements and expands on Modern Japan Excellent Stones Illustrated I published in 2010.

A site description, two maps showing the general and precise locations on the river, and several examples of stones found are included for each of the forty. As a result, people new to stone collecting as well as more experienced collectors have a handy guide to help them find the types of stones they desire. It is a beautifully designed book with sharp detailed photographs of stones. Western stone collectors will be surprised to see the range of stone types collected by hobbyist members of the All Nippon Aiseki Association.

Tatehata, Kengo Ed. 2019

Modern Japan Excellent Stones Illustrated III

Rating: Excellent, a stone hunter's guide to Japanese viewing stones

Aiseki-sha Company. Tokyo. 246 pages. No ISBN Number. 6,500 Yen when published

Japanese Viewing Stones by the Area of Origin. This book is the third volume of a series about where excellent stones are found in Japan. Individual articles of each location have been introduced in monthly Aiseki magazines. In this third volume, 40 locations for 40 types of stones throughout Japan are generously illustrated with a map of the location, a description, and usually multiple images of stones from that location. The famous seven stones in Kyoto are also illustrated in this volume.

This series of books is very useful to those who would like to go stone hunting in Japan. It clearly illustrates the diversity of stones that can be found in different locations through Japan. The information is up-to-date with many photos for today’s stone hunters. It is not good that each volume illustrates stones from different parts of Japan at random. Also, it is too bad that the book is only in Japanese. Despite this, this volume and its earlier companion volumes serve as a valuable reference for Japanese stone hunters. Similar books about the location of stones exist for China, but nothing like this book exists for North America, Europe, or most other regions of the world.

Toki-ishi Aiko-Kai 2012

Toki-Ishi: The World of Beauty. Volume Six

Rating: Excellent, this series is the best reference to Toki-ishi stones

Toki-ishi Aiko-Kai, Nagoya. 129 pages. No ISBN number

A group of ardent collectors of usually small, natural, unaltered pieces of petrified wood known in Japan as Toki-ishi publishes a book every five years of outstanding Toki-ishi. These are typically the best examples that have been displayed in different exhibitions. This is the sixth volume in a series that was started in 1998.

Over 100 Toki-ishi are illustrated in color, usually one per page making this volume a photo album. Thus, non-Japanese reading audiences can readily benefit from this book. The owners and dimensions for each stone are also given. Two photographs of the main collecting sites are provided. Several essays about these stones are included in the final pages of Toki-ishi, The Beauty of Stones.

Toki-ishi Enthusiasts Club. Wind and Snow of Toki

This is an annual publication of this club in Toyohashi City. It features their annual exhibition and articles by members. This began in 1974 and has continued to the present.

Top: 2019, Middle: 2018, Bottom: 2017

Tokuma Bookstore 1964

Original Color Japan Suiseki Directory

Rating: Excellent, the very attractive plates and English descriptions

Tokuma Shoten. 144 pp. No ISBN number. 7,000 Yen when published

(Gen-shoku Nippon Suiseki Zukan) This is an impressive, large-sized volume (36 cm x 26 cm) with hand-tipped photographs. The stated purpose of this book is to present a broad range of excellent Japanese stones. The stones included were selected by fifteen stone authorities. Thus, the stones included are of exceptional quality. There is one stone per page, and each comes with a Japanese and English description. Each stone is named, and information about its origin is provided. Furthermore, there is a short description often pointing out the features of the stone. This is a photo album of nice stones with very limited text.

This is an excellent book to study the wide range of excellent stones found throughout Japan. Bilingual text adds considerably to the value of this volume. It was published during the peak of the popularity of suiseki in Japan. The 1960s and 1970s were the peak years of Japanese stone appreciation popularity and numerous books were produced at this time. This was one of the more lavish productions. The red cloth covers and slip case add to its appeal. It has been long out of print and may be difficult to find.

Wako Kiku-seki Center, Ed. 1974

Chrysanthemum Stones & Peacock Stones: Directory

Rating: Excellent, a very important work documenting these highly popular stones in Japan

Wako Kiku-seki Center. 237 pp. No ISBN, Limited edition of 1,000 copies. 20,000 Yen when published

((Kikka-seki to Kujaku-ishi) The publication of this important work on Japanese chrysanthemum flower stones coincided with the peak of their popularity in Japan. The 1960s and 1970s witnessed a surge of people wanting to own chrysanthemum stones. This may have been due to the fact that crest of the Imperial family is a sixteen petal chrysanthemum flower and that several years earlier, the Imperial family accepted several nice Neo Valley chrysanthemum stones as gifts.

This volume contains full page color photographs of approximately one hundred outstanding chrysanthemum flower and peacock stones containing chrysanthemum flower-like mineral deposits. Peacock stones are a brightly colored mixture of minerals and stone that occur in a lens adjacent to the primary layer of stone containing the chrysanthemum flower-like mineral formations. The stones illustrated here are among the finest known at this time with most of them originating from Neo Valley above Gifu.

The last thirty-seven pages documents some of the important people holding these stones and significant highlights in the history of chrysanthemum stone appreciation. Several pages of this section are devoted to illustrate the location high in the mountains where they occur and mining operations to secure the stones. The limited text is in Japanese.

Yamazaki, Akira 1940

Kiku-ishi

Rating: Excellent, an important historical document in the history of Japanese chrysanthemum stones

16 separate pages in paper envelope, 36 x 28.5 cm format, Getsumei-sha Publishing Company, Tokyo. ISBN: none, no price given

((Chrysanthemum Stones) This is an early publication about Japanese chrysanthemum flower stones which provides information about the important Round Mountain site in Neo Valley and illustrates the type of stones that were collected and valued at this time. Twelve of the sixteen pages are color plates of individual chrysanthemum flower stones with the measurements given on the back of each plate. All the illustrated stones appear completely natural and probably originated from rapidly flowing streams high in Neo Valley. The appreciation of naturally occurring stones from rivers and streams preceded the practice of cutting and polishing stones—one that became popular in the 1960s and that is still seen today

The first plate is text “Note on Kiku-ishi” in Japanese on the front and in English on the back by Yamazaki Akira in which he describes Round Mountain (Maru-yama) where these stones were found. He believed that Round Mountain was at the center of the great 1891 earthquake in this area, and that may have had something to do with the presence of these stones.

Plate 15 provides black and white illustrations of two stones along with an explanation of the mining of the stones along with a map of the mining site. Plate 16 and the final plate provide an illustration of a portion of Neo Valley showing Round Mountain and its relationship to nearby peaks. Kiku-ishi is a scarce and rarely seen publication.

Yoshida B 2014

Beauty and Heart of Stones

Rating: Excellent, an important work on these stones that should not be ignored

Tokyo. 136 pp. No ISBN number. 3200 Yen when published

(Ishi-no-bi-to-kokoro) Aiseki-sha. This important new book on Japanese stones has been largely overlooked. Beauty of Heart and Stones is not a typical book featuring landscape stones; instead, it focuses solely on truly natural Kamuikotan stones from Hokkaido. In the first half of this book, the author includes 31 stones that he considers to be art objects. Each stone is illustrated from several angles, accompanied by one or two close-up photographs of the distinguishing features. Yoshida provides text with each stone and provides his opinion about each stone.

The second half of the book provides readers with background information about the history and development of Kamuikotan stones as they became an important element in Japanese suiseki culture. Many of the stones featured in this book are river cobbles with interesting patterns; others are figure stones, or abstract-shaped stones. There are no single or multiple peak mountain-shaped stones as featured in so many other volumes on Japanese suiseki. This may be due to the fact that most Japanese landscape stones have been altered in some way to appear more natural.

This is a refreshing and an important volume on these stones from the northern-most of the major islands comprising Japan. It is a soft cover book that is attractively designed and printed. Yoshida Bonseki is obviously an artistic pseudonym used by the author, a serious collector of these stones.

Yuan, Sekijo 2018

Yuan’s Suiseki 1

Rating: Not recommended, of limited value

Opus Majus publishing company. 24 pp. ISBN: 978-4-905520-14-6. Price when published: 520 Yen

This booklet illustrates twenty stones from the collection of the author. It appears to be the first in a series of booklets from this collector. A nice sharp photograph of each stone is provided, one per page with accompanying measurements and name. All but one of the stones are from Hokkaido where the author lives. He has been collecting stones in Hokkaido for many years. Yuan Sekijo is the artist name used by an unidentified collector who published this volume. Unfortunately, the author did not include a brief description of each stone stating what he saw in the stone and why he chose each for this publication.

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