STONE IMAGES XIV

Viewing stones—an art form with roots stretching back more than 1,500 years in China, Japan, and Korea—has now found a passionate following worldwide. This practice encourages observers to see beyond the physical form of a stone, allowing their imagination to reveal mountains, figures, animals, and even celestial bodies within its contours.

“Stones are shaped by water, wind, sand, and ice, but what we see in them is shaped by our minds,” explains a spokesperson for the Northwest Viewing Stone Group, affectionately known as ‘The Stoners’. “Viewing stones is a meditative art of the imagination, inviting us to discover entire worlds within a single rock.”

A Diverse Collection of Natural Wonders

The exhibition showcases a wide variety of viewing stones, such as:

• Mountain Vistas: Miniature landscapes complete with snow-capped peaks
• Shore Stones: Representations of islands and rugged coastlines
• Celestial Stones: Capturing images of the sun, moon, stars, and deep space
• Object Stones: Depicting human or animal figures
• Abstract Stones: Featuring fanciful shapes, patterns, and color combinations

Each stone is thoughtfully displayed on a custom-carved wooden base called a daiza, in sand-filled containers, or on fabric pillows, enhancing its natural beauty and inviting contemplation.