STONE IMAGES XIII

The practice and appreciation of Viewing Stones as an art form dates back at least 1,500 years to regions in China, Japan, and Korea. “Viewing Stones” (called “suiseki” in Japan, “suosek” in Korea, and “Scholar Stones” or “gongshi” in China) are naturally formed stones valued for their shape, color, beauty, pattern, and/or for what they can be seen to represent. Viewers of stones tap into creativity as they engage in an art of imagination, in which they can see mountains, figures, animals, and even deep space.

Stone Images XIII is a free, visual art exhibit featuring naturally collected Viewing Stones presented annually at Pacific Bonsai Museum by the Northwest Viewing Stone Group of the Puget Sound Bonsai Association.

As per tradition, Viewing Stone exhibitions present collected stones that are cleaned (and sometimes also polished) and displayed thoughtfully on various purposeful bases. Some bases are custom-carved, wooden stands called daiza, while others are small pillows, or a kind of dish. The entire display depends on the artist’s intention and what they conjure for contemplation.

What can you see? Come explore. The exhibit runs through March 31, 2024 in our Pavilion display cabinets. It is free and open to the public.