During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, everyone needs the occasional moment of Zen, and the annual display of “viewing stones” at the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens is a perfect way to attain it. The show begins on Sunday, Dec. 26, and continues through Sunday, Jan. 2, in Friends’ Hall. (Closed Jan. 1 for the New Year’s holiday.)
Contemplating the subtle, graceful forms of these stones is said to uplift the spirit, stimulate the mind, and purify the soul—a wonderful way to start the new year.
Popular in Asia for centuries, viewing stones are rocks found in nature that have been transformed by wind, water, and time into shapes resembling landscapes, animals, and other forms. What may appear at first glance to be an ordinary lump of basalt is revealed at closer inspection to be a distant mountain or a cascading waterfall. Centuries of blown sand may have etched the pattern of swaying grass into another stone’s polished surface, while the petals of a chrysanthemum are revealed in a cluster of mineral deposits. Resemblances are usually suggestive rather than literal, inviting the viewer to look beyond the surface to mine hidden depths of meaning.
Nearly 150 outstanding examples will be displayed by members of the California Aiseki Kai, a Gardena, Calif.–based club of enthusiasts and collectors.
The art of viewing stones lies in the eye of its beholders. It is an art of appreciation. Each stone has been found in nature—on a beach, in the desert, along a mountain trail—by a collector who recognized its unique qualities. As the name “viewing stones” implies, the act of contemplation is essential to the art itself. Each viewer brings something different to the art, moved by his or her own memories and associations to draw enlightenment from the stones.
The history of viewing stones began in ancient China, where Chinese “scholars’ rocks” or gongshi were collected for aesthetic and philosophical appreciation as early as the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). Poets of the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 AD) made references to them in their writings. The stones were introduced to Japan around 600 as diplomatic gifts from the Chinese imperial court, and their popularity grew over the centuries among members of the Samurai warrior class. The influence of Zen Buddhism, which emphasized austerity and inner enlightenment, led to a preference for stones with subtle forms, more metaphor than precise representation. By the 19th century the art had become highly formalized through the development of classifications: Chin-seki (rare stones, figure-shaped or patterned), Biseki (beautiful stones that may be polished or cut), Suiseki (scenic landscape forms), and many sub-classifications ranging from Taka-ishi (waterfall-shaped stones) to Dobutsu-ishi (animal-shaped stones).
The 20th century saw the popularity of viewing stones expand into the international community. Today it is practiced by enthusiasts around the world.
Extended holiday hours are in effect at The Huntington from Dec. 26 through Jan. 2: The Huntington will be open 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, with the exception of New Year’s Day.
For those wishing to stay and explore the gardens and galleries during their visit, adult admission is $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends. Discounted admission is offered for seniors, groups, students, and children. Members are admitted free.
For additional information call 626-405-2100 or visit www.huntington.org
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