Stone of the Month: 

April 2024 

"Boukido (忘帰洞)"

By Thomas S. Elias

This Japanese tunnel stone gives the appearance of a naturally formed opening or tunnel penetrating through a massive rock. In Japan, it is known as a Domon-Ishi, a term that refers to natural rock formations that include arches, tunnels, and gateway stones. When this stone is displayed in a carved wood base (daiza), it represents a land-based tunnel. However, when the stone is displayed in a suiban with sand, it is interpreted as a water-based natural formation, as seen in some coastal rock formations.   

Boukido means, “This scenery is so comfortable; it makes me forget going home.” This stone was displayed in a suiban at the 43rd Taikanten held in Kyoto, Japan, November 24-27, 2023, and received the Taikanten Organizing Committee Award. It was also displayed at the Aiseki Club Toyota exhibition on April 29-30, 2023 in Toyota, Japan. Bokido is 21 x 13 x 15 cm and is in the collection of Thomas Elias and Hiromi Nakaoji.