Stone of the Month: 

June 2024 

Senshu Pot Stone

By Thomas S. Elias

Senshu Pot stones (Tsubo-ishi) are round or nearly round concretions with a hole suggesting a thick-walled pot. They are found in the Wakayama mountain range overlooking the Osaka Plain. When they are dug from the earth, they are covered with red soil that must be removed with a wire brush. The better-quality ball-shaped stones have an empty hole in the center. According to Matsuura Arishige, Senshu pot stones are very rare. Senshu is an older name for Osaka. This stone was gifted to us in 2005 by the daughter of Kari ike-an (artist name).

The layers and layers of weather stone and its colors are analogous to the tree rings seen in an old tree, which gives the stone an ancient appearance. The imperfections on the surface contribute to a feeling of the Wabi aesthetic. I like stones that are not always like a distance mountain, plateau, or other commonly seen landscape forms. A pot can be an element of the man-made landscape, similar to a boat or hut.

This Senshu Pot stone is 16 x 11 x 15 cm and weighs 3396 grams (7 lbs 8 oz). Its heavy weight is due to the dense layers containing iron oxide deposits. Sean Smith carved the base, and the stone was tilted forward slightly to suggest an outlet or spout for the pot stone.