Learning from Exhibitions: The 46th National All Japan Aiseki Exhibition
A discussion of 46th National Exhibition in Okayama, Japan
By Thomas S. Elias, February 2023
The 46th All Japan Aiseki Association’s exhibition in the Asakusa Public Hall in Tokyo from October 29 and 30th, 2022 provides us with valuable lessons. Each year the Aiseki Association stages two exhibitions, one in central Japan, usually Tokyo, and a second exhibition in western Japan, often Okayama. The Covid pandemic disrupted this schedule in Japan as it did worldwide. This 46th exhibition is noteworthy because it is the first national Aiseki exhibition in nearly three years. It was a modest exhibit of 45 stones, 43 from Japan, and two foreign entries. There were no restrictions on the size of stone exhibited.
Scenes of the 46th National Exhibition in the Asakusa Public Hall in Tokyo.
The display area is striking for its uniformity among each stone display. An equal amount of space, 120 cm, is provided for each entry. Many nice Japanese stones found by Aiseki members were displayed. There were no larger, tokonoma-like spaces available for an added fee. In this event, the stone is the focal point, not a display, with added features such as a scroll, display table, and other companion pieces. The cost to display a stone in the 46th exhibit was 150,000 yen (about $115) which includes publication in the Aiseki magazine.
One of the more conspicuous features of this exhibition was the use of an identical simple jiita for each of the stones. These placemat-like settings provided a more uniform appearance to the overall exhibit. Because these jiita are thin and unassuming, the viewer’s eyes are directed to the stone. The stone alone becomes the primary object for viewing rather than being a part of a larger display of complementary objects.
This approach also provides a level playing field for all participants. Many club members are older and living on a pension with limited resources; to purchase an antique display table or other expensive accessories would make exhibition entry burdensome. The stones displayed are, for the most part, ones that they have collected themselves on local collecting trips.
Awards and special recognition are not given because this is not a competitive event but a cooperative effort for Aiseki members to share their findings and enjoy interacting with each other. Events like this are essential to the health and vitality of local or regional clubs. It is an opportunity to highlight the better stones that were recently collected and help novice collectors learn more about stone appreciation practices. These events can be simple and inexpensive affairs. We must encourage and support organizations like the All Japan Suiseki Association and other organizations worldwide. Viewing stone appreciation will grow and become better known if we do this.
The Association serves as a mechanism to loosely unite and support the numerous hobbyists clubs though out Japan. The All Japan Aiseki Association was established in October 1985 to support the efforts of the Aiseki magazine in promoting friendship and spreading stone appreciation practices among hobbyists. The 47th All Japan Aiseki Association exhibition will be held January 28-29th, 2023 in Okayama in western Japan.
