Chinese Book Reviews

Bi Xinyu 2015

Xinyu Stone Gallery

Rating: Very good, an opportunity to see some extraordinary stones.

Privately published. 67 pp. no ISBN number.

Bi Xinyu is one of China’s leading stone collectors and an important leader in the modern stone appreciation movement in this country. She has two impressive museum-like galleries—one in Beijing and another in Liuzhou in Guangxi province. Mrs. Bi has impeccable taste and has assembled an extraordinary collection of some of the best modern stones. This privately published volume is mainly a photo album of many of the best stones in her collection. This volume includes short essays on a number of stone types: Hongshui River, Guangxi Dahua, Guangxi Moore, Guangxi Lipi, and the Heshan Colored pottery stones. It is produced in the traditional folded pages style with string binding; however, the quality of the paper, printing, and design is excellent.

Bi Xinyu has written many articles about Chinese stone appreciation and has received numerous gold- and silver-level prizes for stones she has displayed in major events. She is deputy chairman of China Ornamental Stone Association, vice-chair of the Guangxi Ornamental Stone Association, a certified stone appraiser, deputy managing editor of the magazine Stone Appreciation Culture.

Chen Dong Sheng 2005

The Great Stones of Ancient and Modern China

Rating: Excellent. An impressive reference for ancient and modern Chinese stones.

Beijing Great Wall Press, Beijing. 522 pages. ISBN: 7-80017-783-1. 498 RMB when published.

This is truly an impressive work from one of the major collectors and leaders in Chinese stone appreciation. In this book, Chen Dongsheng presents photographs and descriptions of approximately 2,000 stones. Here, readers can get a fairly complete overview of the various stones that have been collected and appreciated in China from the different dynasties to 2005 when this volume was published. The first two sections, comprising 177 pages, are devoted to ancient stones. The format is such that a photograph of a historically important stone is provided along with a description of the stone’s importance, in some cases a poem is included. Students can develop a good understanding of the range of stones and their respective bases that were used in dynastic China.

The next 336 pages of the book focus on modern stones. They are arranged in three, major groups—modern stones, modern stones that resemble figures, and modern stones that resemble animals. Chen has done an amazing job of showing the wide, range of stones collected in modern Chinese stone appreciation. This book, more than any other, beautifully illustrates the extensive range from tiny Rain Flower Pebbles and desert agates to large pieces of limestone. Information is supplied with each illustrated stone. The photographs are excellent and the layout of the book is attractive. Fortunately, it has a sewn binding, an essential element for book this size. It measures 21 x 28.5 cm and is 5.5 cm thick and comes in an attractive slip case.

Chen Dong Sheng 2009

The Grandview of Ancient Chinese Stone Spectrum. Stone Articles and Stone Poems

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference for serious students and researchers interested in Chinese stone appreciation culture.

Culture Publishing House. Shandong. 4 vols. ISBN 978-988-43728-3-0. 298 RMB when published.

This four-volume set is one of the most important basic references on Chinese stone appreciation culture. Chen’s scholarly work brings together much of the ancient literature on this subject; thus, it is a valuable tool for people who wish to learn about stones in early writings, poems, and various catalogs from Imperial China. Two volumes, totaling 617 pages, are devoted exclusively to early writings about stones. A third volume of 395-pages focuses on Imperial period poems about stones. The fourth volume of 310 pages is a treatment of various stone catalogs produced during this time. Many of the catalogs are reproduced in this volume. Anyone doubting the importance of stone appreciation in Imperial China should consult this reference. Stone appreciation was an integral part of the arts and culture of China historically. Those values have been carried into modern China and thrive today.

The four soft-cover, string-bound volumes are housed in a slip case. Most of the volumes are text with few illustrations; although the volume about stone catalogs does contain many illustrations. A reading knowledge of Chinese is require to benefit from this work. Although rarely cited, this work has been the source of much information about stone appreciation in Imperial China.

Chen Dong Sheng 2005

Chrysanthemum Stone Carving in Hunan Province of China

Rating: High Recommended, especially for artists and chrysanthemum stone lovers.

Hunan Fine Arts Publishing House. 20 +133 pp. ISBN: 7-5356-2232-1. 268 RMB when published.

China has a great abundance of highly skilled artists and craftsmen. This extends to stone carving and Hunan Province where the most highly sought stone carvers of chrysanthemum stones are located. Liuyang, a major location of limestone deposits containing mineral deposits that resemble chrysanthemum flowers, is the center of chrysanthemum stone carving in Hunan province. This volume was assembled by several editors working with the Hunan Art & Craft Academy to assemble some of the finest examples of beautiful art objects skillfully carved from chrysanthemum stones. These range from pieces of sculptures to more practical items such as ink stones, brush holders, small water bowls, vases, and other related items. The works of art illustrated here are mostly modern, although some appear to be patterned after older antique chrysanthemum stone carvings.

This is another quality book on Chinese stone appreciation. Approximately 130 pieces of stone carvings are included, one per page. Photography is, overall, very good, but not outstanding. The binding is superior and the book was bulked up by using thicker pages. This is the best book for modern works of art made from chrysanthemum stones.

Chen Kehan 2017

Yihua, Stone of the Literati, Volume 8

Rating: Excellent, another important book about the role of stones in the lives of the pre-modern literati.

China Art Museum Publishing Ltd., Hong Kong. 183 pp. ISBN: 978-988-78053-1-1. 98 RMB when published.

This book examines how extraordinary stones have influenced in various ways the literati throughout the dynasties and the ways educated men appreciated stones in their literature, paintings and in garden construction. Stones used in Zen and traditional ancient Chinese gardens along with the Zen influenced Japanese dry gardens are treated in the later part of this volume.

Yihua begins with a discussion of the link between the literati and stone appreciation before a section on Taihu stones and stone appreciation culture in the Song dynasty. This book is richly illustrated with beautiful images of stones, paintings and stones in gardens. It is superbly designed with a modern non tradition layout. Even though it has a soft cover, the overall quality of the book— content, design, printing, and binding—is excellent.

Chen Xi 1998

Beautiful Stones of Ningxia

Rating: Recommended, a valuable photo album and reference for stones of Ningxia.

Hong Kong Dadi Publishing Company. Shenzhen. 179 pp + 21 pp advertisements. ISBN: None. 288 RMB for hardbound, 238 RMB for soft cover when published.

Ningxia or more correctly the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region is a relatively small geopolitical region in northwestern China. Yinchuan, the capital, is a major gateway to Gobi Desert, Inner Mongolian, and western Yellow River stones. This volume features stones from these regions making this a useful reference for learning about stones from this region. The most diverse and unusual stones featured here are from the Gobi Desert. They are windblown, wind- and sand-sculpted, shiny stones, often strongly siliceous. The fascinating uni-colored and multi-colored grape agates are mined. The Yellow River, which flows through Ningxia, is the source of many attractive river cobbles also featured in this volume.

The photography is excellent. Each page features no more than three stones, thus facilitating the study of individual stones. The sewn binding and hard covers make this a quality publication and useful reference. Production costs were partially offset with 21 pages of advertisements at the end of the book, a technique that was typical of publications of this time.

Cheng, Cai Bao Ed. 2004

Du Ming Cen Lingbi Stone Illustrations

Rating: Excellent, especially for artists and art students interested in painting techniques of stones.

Tianjin People’s Art Publishing Co. 116 pp. ISBN: 7-5305-2399-6. 180 RMB when published.

Du Ming Cen is a gifted contemporary artist who specializes in painting stones, particularly Lingbi. This large format volume (78.7 x 109.8 cm, 10.3 x 15 inches) reproduces 143 of his paintings of these revered large stones. Large-sized books such as this one allow users to better appreciate the intricacies of a painting. Most of his works are in black ink with occasional touches of color. The drawing and shading techniques are reminiscent of the late Qing dynasty artist Zhou Tang (1806-1876); however, Chin’s painting are detailed and employ more sophisticated shading techniques.

This is a modern shipu or stone catalog publication. We often associate these books with Imperial China because of the well know Yunlin Shipu and later Suyuan Shipu volumes. However, there are several highly skilled artists in China who are masters of painting stones. Du Ming Cen is one of those. The original 143 paintings illustrated in this volume are on display in the Baochen Museum near Tianjin. Many of the stones that were painted are also in the collection on display at this museum.

Chi Chen Ed. 2011

Chinese Rain Flower Stone Picture Dictionary
(Zhongguo yuhuashi tudian)

Rating: Excellent. This is an essential reference for any student of classical Chinese viewing stones.

Nanjing Publishing Company, Nanjing. 3 vols. 1,234 pp. ISBN: 978-7-80718-8. 800 RMB when published.

Rain Flower stones are small, hard agates, crystals, opals, and others rocks found in ancient gravel deposits and occur in a wide variety of colors and patterns. They are among the oldest Chinese stones to be appreciated for their beauty. These stones were found in a burial site near Nanjing that date back 4,000 to 5,000 years. It is difficult to imagine the great diversity of Rain Flower stones; however, this extraordinary work presents over 1,000 full-page color illustrations of individually named stones. The first volume presents historical information about these stones including photographs of the ancient archeological burial site where the early Rain Flower stones were found. This picture dictionary of these stones was a joint effort between the editor, Chi Cheng and gifted photographer, Tang Xianfeng. The photographs are exquisite due to the excellent color reproduction and show considerable detail of these small stones, typically ranging between 3 and 6 cm. The name of each stone is provided in both English and Chinese, along with its dimensions, and a brief description.

The volumes are hard-bound and with a superior sewn binding that allows the pages to fully open without fear of loosening the pages. The high quality of this publication and extensive color photographs more than justify the 800 RMB price.

Chi Zhang. Ed. 2020

Fine Stones from Riverside of Si: Classical Lingbi Exhibition

Rating: Excellent, helps foreign scholar stone enthusiasts understand how Chinese connoisseurs value their classical stones.

Tianjin People’s Art Publishing Co. 116 pp. ISBN: 7-5305-2399-6. 180 RMB when published.

Collection of 4 Grand Classics of Famous Stones of Liuzhou
The city government of Liuzhou, a city in northern Guangxi province in southern China, made a serious, long-term commitment and investment over a decade ago to turn Liuzhou into the stone capital of China. The city stages a major international stone exhibition every two years, and some of the organizers have produced several outstanding books on stone appreciation. This includes Collection of Grand Classics of Famous Stones of Liuzhou, a series that started in 2002 with the first volume. At the time it was published it marked a new high in quality book production on stones. The second volume appeared in 2008, and volume three was published in 2010.

Liu Bo Li Ed. 2002

Vol. 1, Collection of Grand Classics of Famous Stones of Liuzhou

Jilin Art Publishing Co., 297 pp. ISBN 7-5386-0391-3/J. 360 RMB when publish, now out of print.

Wu Dan Ed. 2008

Vol. 2, Collection of Grand Classics of Famous Stones of Liuzhou

Guangxi Art Publishing Co. 299 pp. with slipcase. ISBN 978-7-80746-605-5/G. 360 RMB when published.

Huang Shao Long Ed. 2010

Vol. 3, Collection of Grand Classics of Famous Stones of Liuzhou

Rating: Excellent, the best series of volumes for Guangxi stones

Li Jiang Publishing Company. 327 pp. with slipcase. ISBN 978-7-5407-3919-5. 380 RMB when published.

This series of volumes are especially important to non-Chinese reading audiences because they focus primarily on modern stones originating in Guangxi Province, and because the volumes are basically photo albums with a minimum of Chinese text. As a result, these large format volumes, 22 X 29 cm, provide readers with photographs of approximately 1,000 of the best stones from this region of China. The books are an excellent way to learn about the diversity of stones from this region while seeing the specific features that the stone specialists in Liuzhou look for in excellent stones.

All three volumes are quality publications with sown bindings and high quality photographs. An added plus is that they are available at a bargain price for their size and quality. Volume three is still available in book shops while volume one may be more difficult to find.

Qu Jun Xiong Ed. 2012

Vol. 4, Collection of Grand Classics of Famous Stones of Liuzhou

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference for the stones of southern China.

Lingjiang Publishing Company, Guilin. 322 pp. ISBN 978-7-5407-5934-6. 380 RMB when published (in slip case).

This is the fourth in a series of books featuring the famous stones of Liuzhou, the city in Guangxi province where modern Chinese stones appreciation first developed nearly fifty years ago. A full-page color photograph is devoted to each of the 317 stones illustrated in this impressive work. The stones are beautiful, evocative, and can persuade even the most ardent skeptic why a strong stone appreciation culture developed and continued over hundreds of years. Stones from other regions are included, although the majority of stones are from this stone-rich province. The last few pages in the book are devoted to photographs of the relatively new modern viewing stone museum in Liuzhou, one of the finest in China.

The four volumes in this series span a ten-year period from 2002 to 2012 and serve as one of the important illustrated references to the stones most prized in modern Chinese stone appreciation.

Cui Zhoucun 2008

Loashan Green Stones of China

Rating: Excellent, the only reference we know of solely on this subject.

Qingdao Press, Qingdao. 208 pp. ISBN: 978-7-5436-3175-5. 188 RMB when published.

Laoshan Green are elegant beautiful stones that have been appreciated since the Song and Yuan dynasties to the present. The stones originate from the east Yangkou Bay in the Laoshan District of Qingdao. The source is limited, thus, the stones are rare and not readily seen in market places. They are prized and most of the outstanding specimens are in the hands of private collectors.

This book is devoted solely to these stones. Cui Zhoucun searched throughout China to find the 258 examples of Laoshan Green stones featured in this volume. Typically one stone or occasional two are illustrated per page. It is basically a photo album of these stones. This combined with the large format allows users to see considerable detail on each and some of the stones. Many of the bases used for these stones tend to be elaborate including several carved to resemble ocean waves reflecting their oceanic origin.

This may well be the first time that numerous examples of these stones have been featured in one volume. It was published to coincide and to celebrate the 2008 Olympics held in Beijing. Four pages in English aid western readers, otherwise, the text is in Chinese. Only a limited number of Laoshan Green stones have reached western countries; therefore, they are unknown to most western stone collectors.

Dali Bai Autonomous Province District Record Compiling Committee, 2014

Dali Stone Catalogue (Dali Shipu

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference for anyone interested in this stone.

Yunnan Ethnic Publishing Company, Kunming. ISBN: 978-7-5367-6337-1/T. 328 pp. 45 RMB when published.

The Dali Stone Catalogue is an important addition to the extensive record of literature on this stone. It is a comprehensive account of Dali marble obtained from the Cangshan in Yunnan Province in southwestern China. This volume provides early accounts of Dali marble beginning with the Sui and Tang dynasties and continuing to the present. This marble was used for monuments in the Yuan dynasty and later as ornamental pieces in the Ming dynasty. The committee documents the improvements to processing and polishing Dali marble first implemented in 1956. This led to an expansion of the use of Dali marble as a decorative item and in certain types of furniture.

Dali Stone Catalogue is filled with useful information that cannot be readily found elsewhere. This is the strength of this book. It is not a photobook of impressive and beautiful pieces of this marble. This is a softbound volume with a very reasonable price.

Diao Huiqin 2008

Chinese Lingbi Stones Chinese Stone Appreciation Series

Rating: Excellent for its concise and well-illustrated account of the important Lingbi stones.

Shanghai Science and Technology Press, Shanghai. 167 pages. ISBN 978-7-5323-9152-3. 45 RMB when published.

This concise book is part of a series of volumes on the most important Chinese viewing stones. It opens with the history and historical importance of Lingbi stones followed by a chapter explaining the geological history and composition of the limestone formation. This stone lens was subject to long-term underground water flows that shaped the irregular forms of Lingbi. Subsequent chapters provide background information about the many ways Lingbi stones are displayed indoors andoutdoors. It is a handy and inexpensive but filled with a plethora of useful information about the number one stone in China.

Ding, Wenfu 2010

Elegance of Stone Trays (Shi pen yagu)

Rating: Excellent: an important contribution to the history of viewing stone appreciation.

Wenwu Publishing Company, Beijing. 120 pages, ISBN: 978-7-5010-3005-7.

Long before viewing stones were displayed in carved wood bases, many of them were displayed in carved stone trays. Outdoor trays were typically large with pedestals and stood on the ground; while smaller stone trays were used indoors on tables. Ding presents a short history of the use of stone trays and presents a series of photographs of trays used in the garden in the Forbidden City in Beijing. The majority of this volume is devoted to illustrations and descriptions of different types of stone trays. Some have elaborately carved relief features while other are inscribed with calligraphy or simply plain.

Editorial Committee 1996

China Semi-Precious Stones Association Collection

Rating: Excellent, a great window to the stones collected and displayed in Taiwan at this time.

Semi-Precious Stone Association. Taipei. 224 pp. No ISBN number.

A very attractive photo album of over 200 stones that were displayed in a 1996 exhibition in Taiwan. The photographs are sharp and reproduced one per page; thus, providing the viewer with excellent detail of each stone. Judging from the quality of these stones, the stone appreciation culture was well advanced at this time. The owner of each stone along with their contact information is listed on the last pages of this volume.

Fan Nianlu 1995

Rare Stones of China

Rating: Good, of limited value, mainly as a historical record.

Shuxin Publishing House, Taipei. 264 pp. ISBN: 957-531-436-0. 500 New Taiwan dollars when published

This small volume gives us a good indication of the nature of stone appreciation in Taiwan circa 1995. The book is divided into two major parts—one illustrating Taiwanese stones, and another featuring various pieces of sliced marble. Many of hand-carved wooden bases illustrated in this book are fascinating and quite different in style from mainland Chinese bases. They have distinct, well defined shoulders or margins that often curve downwards. The author presents his view on stone appreciation before the two sections of photographs. The book concludes with a short chapter describing the people and artists who wrote about stone appreciation on this island.

It is a quality hardbound volume.

Feng, Guilin Ed. 2005

Photo Collection of Alexa Queer Stones

Rating: Excellent, an essential reference for images of a vast range of Gobi Desert stones.

Yangfang Publishing House. 255 pp. ISBN: 80595-825-4. 320 RMB when published

This is a significant volume in that it may be the first major publication devoted to stones from the Gobi Desert. It many respects, it is the culmination of the early formative years when Gobi Desert stones gained respect and prominence in the Chinese viewing stone communities. It was produced in time for the opening of the First Beautiful Stone Tourism Festival that was held in Alashan. It is filled with beautiful, high quality photographs of a diverse range of stones, mainly those found in the Alashan Plateau semi-desert. This is one of the major eco-regions of the Gobi Desert.

The book is divided in seven parts, including a preface and a post face. The stones are grouped in five major categories—human figures, animals, life, all phases, and landscapes. Figure stones, whether human or animal, are prized and are highly collectible. As a result, the values and prices assigned to excellent examples of these stone are high. The life category includes stones that resemble different types of food, while the all phases section contains stones that resemble boats, gourd-shaped stones, and even ones shaped like torches. The landscape stones focus on large and small features found in the Gobi Desert.

The quality of this book is very high; the paper, printing, binding, hard covers, and dust jacket, provide a long-lasting reference. It is a particularly valuable reference because of the large number of diverse stones illustrated. Readers can gain a good understanding of Gobi Desert stones from this book. Unfortunately, it has been out of print for several years and is difficult to find.

Feng Wenzhi 1994

Selected Works of Longtan Elegant Stones

Rating: Good, a useful reference to gauge the state of viewing stones in Taiwan in 1994.

Longtan Elegant Stone Association, Taipei. 160 pp. ISBN: none.

This early modern stone appreciation volume is a photographic album of a stone exhibit held by an association in the rural township of Longtan in northwestern Taiwan. The limited text is more than offset by the quality of the photographs and the layout of one stone per page so that the details of each stone and its base can be readily seen.

There are noticeable variations in the stone types, the ways they are displayed, and the bases or shallow ceramic and metal trays on which the stones are placed. A few of the stones are even displayed without bases. This is an interesting blending of stones from different Asian countries. The book includes illustrations of four Japanese stones, an Indonesian stone, and several Chinese stones, but the majority are from Taiwan.

Ge Barong Ed. 2006

Rhyme of Yunnan Stones

Rating: Excellent. Chinese language skills aren’t necessary to appreciate this volume.

Kunming Publishing Co. Kunming. 274 pp. ISBN: 7-222-04711-5. 268 RMB when published.

Yunnan is a very diverse province that ranges from the Tibetan Plateau in the north to a low tropical rainforest at its southern most point adjacent to Myanmar and Viet Nam. Its many rivers flow south to southeast and are yielding many excellent pattern stones. This province is rich in mineral resources and rock types. Such diversity can be readily seen in this volume, which is basically a large photo album of Yunnan stones. There is a large section devoted to the sliced marble used in stone appreciation because most of this marble originates in Yunnan. Examples of different types of fossil wood, also from this province, are prominently featured. Readers will be surprised by the great variety of stones from this region of China.

Like other modern stone books being produced in China today, this is a high quality, hardcover book with excellent photographs, typically several per page. The large 28.5 x 21 cm format makes it enjoyable to sit and study the photographs.

Ge Baorong Ed. 2006

7th China Stone Appreciation Exhibition & International Stone Appreciation Exhibition. Excellent Collections.

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference for stones from Yunnan province

Kunming People’s Publishing Company. 248 pp. ISBN: 7-222-04909-6. 380 RMB when published.

This attractive volume is an excellent account of the 7th international stone exhibition held in Kunming in southwestern China. It contains sections devoted to the development of the stone industry, special exhibits, and summaries of thirteen lectures given during the exhibit. The largest portion of the book is devoted to images of excellent stones from Yunnan province. This province stretches from lowland tropical rain forest in the South and rises to the Tibetan Plateau in the North. As a result, it has a diverse array of rocks and minerals. Yunnan is rich in fossil wood, beautiful marble sliced into thin slabs for framing or for use in furniture, Jinsha river stones, and the unusual iron stones often coated with pyrite crystals. This large format book measures 22 x 29 cm and contains high quality paper and photographs.

Ge Baorong, Liu Tao & Zhang Jiahi 2009

China, National Treasures

Rating: Excellent for people interested in works of arts from Yellow Wax Stones.

Geology Publishing House. Beijing. 275 pp. ISBN 978-7-116-06172-9. 168 RMB when published.

This high quality paperback volume focuses on Yellow Wax Stones and related variants such as Yellow Jade. While it includes a nice section of photographs and information about natural Yellow Wax Stones, it is primarily a book devoted to delicately carved works of arts, seals, and jewelry made from these stones. As a result, it clearly illustrates how important these stones are regarded in different fields of the arts and crafts of China. The photography, design and layout of this book are outstanding. Judging from the deep rich colors of these stones and the works of art created from these stones, it is easy to see why people value them so highly.

Guo, Baolin & Zhang Yaoda Eds. 1989

Album of Rain Flower Pebble Treasure

Rating: Excellent book on this specialized group of viewing stones.

Jiangsu Ancient Book Publishing House. Nanjing. 179 pp. ISBN: 7-80519-139-5/J.3

This is a nice example of one of the early books published on stone appreciated in the modern era in China. Fortunately, it is one of the better examples from the 1980s, possibly because it was printed and bound in Hong Kong at the time of publication. It is an excellent volume on Rain Flowers Pebbles with the text in both Chinese and English. The large color illustrations of individual stones are grouped into six general categories: landscape, flowers and plants, figure paintings, animals, imaginary, and ingenuity. There are nearly 500 stones illustrated in this book. Rain Flower Pebbles are one of the first stones collected and appreciated solely for their beauty starting over 4,000 years ago. They continue today to be in demand and admired by a dedicated group of specialized collectors. Throughout the ages, there are probably more books written about these stones than any other type.

The production quality is excellent for this period. This turned out to be a surprisingly good book with clear and useful information.

Hasbagna S 2015

Magic Stones, Miracle Culture. Photo Collection of Alxa Queer Stones

Rating: Very Good, a fine example of a quality photo album of Gobi Desert stones.

Geological Publishing House. 154 pp. ISBN: 978-7-116-09435-2. 280 RMB when published.

This is an attractive, softbound volume of photographs taken by S. Hasbagna and published for the 2015 Mainland China-Taiwan Cultural Exchanges Exhibition that was held in Alashan in October. At that time, a large delegation of Taiwan stone collectors and dealers went to Inner Mongolia for their annual stone festival and the opening of a major new viewing stone museum in Alashan. A year earlier, a comparable delegation of stone enthusiasts from mainland China travelled to Taiwan for a major exhibition.

The first two stones presented in this book are two meat food stones collected in the Qing dynasty. Craftsmen in the Qing Imperial workshop made intricate gold stands for these stones. They are housed in the National Palace Museum in Taipei. The exquisite photographs illustrate the wide variety of viewing stones found in this region of the southern Gobi Desert. These range from large grape agates to multi-colored jaspers and chalcedony. Most of the Gobi Desert stones contain high levels of silica making them hard and often providing a shiny patina. The books illustrate individual stones and several quality contemporary displays of stones.

He Zhiwu, Wu Huashuo, Eds. 2007

Elegant Stone Artifacts, The Best Collection of Dianbai Golden Wax Stone

Rating: Excellent, recommended for serious collectors and a must for wax stone collectors.

Pegasus Publishing Co., Hong Kong. 93 pp. ISBN 962-450-545-4/D.50225. 180 RMB.

This elegant hardbound book beautifully illustrated some of the finest Golden Wax stones from Dianbai county in Guangxi province. This county reportedly produces some of the finest quality stones and one with a golden hue; thus, the variety known as Golden Wax stones. The editors selected the best stones from private collections. As a result, this is a valuable reference for people wanting to see examples of outstanding wax stones. It is a photographic album with 193 images plus brief text on stone culture, categories, and on golden wax stones. Each image and stone is accompanied by the name of the stone, measurements, and owner. In addition, approximately 20% of the images have a brief comment in English.

Huang Jian & Zhong Ling Qiang 1998

Canon of Contemporary China’s Renowned Cultural Stone Collectors and Their Celebrated Art Works

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference showing the wide range of stones being appreciated in China at this time.

China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Publishing Company. 339 pp.in slip case. ISBN: 7-5059-3180-6. 486 RMB when published.

This book lives up to its name. The editors were successful in enlisting hundreds of leading Chinese stone collectors to include one or two of their finest stones in this monumental volume. Over 1,000 stones are featured, ranging from Lingbi, Taihu, Nanjing Rain Flower pebbles and other stones from the Imperial period to a wide variety of modern stones. Excellent examples of Gobi Desert stones complement the beautiful stones from southern China. All the stones in this volume are Chinese except for a few Malaysian and Thai stones. Each stone illustrated is accompanied by a description, data about its origin, and size.

This superb publication is important in the history of modern Chinese stone appreciation. It features excellent photographs an attractive layout, quality printing and sturdy binding. Books of this caliber have contributed to the phenomenal growth in the numbers of people engaged in stone appreciation in China.

Huang Xin 2004

Yangchun Malachite

Rating: For serious collectors of malachite

Publisher not given. 57 pp. No ISBN number. price unknown.

This small volume, measuring just 18 x 17.5 cm, features malachite specimens from the Shilu copper pit in Yangchun City in southern Guangdong province. This copper pit produce copper ore and excellent examples of beautiful malachite from the 1960s until 1997 when the ore was depleted and the site was filled with water to create a lake. The book features beautiful photographs of fifty malachite specimens from Yangchun complimented on the last pages with nine examples of local Yellow Wax Stone and three pieces of azurite. This appears to be more of a promotional piece to acquaint people with the malachite from this site. Yangchun City has proclaimed itself as the “Malachite Capital of China.” This volumes lack specific information about the mine, the history of malachite, and the qualities of it from this province.

Inner Mongolia Alashan Viewing Stone Association 2013

Photo Collection of Alxa Queer Stones

Rating: Good, a nice and inexpensive way to stay current on the status of Gobi Desert stones.

Alashan left Banner. 126 pp. ISSN: 2225-7438. 68 RMB when published.

Each year, the Alashan Viewing Stone Association, in conjunction with their annual stone exhibition and festival, publishes a hard-bound volume featuring excellent Gobi Desert stones. This event is typically held in September, and has grown to become one of the largest exhibitions in China. In many respects, Alashan can be considered to be the stone capital of northern China. The ten chapters feature different categories of desert stones in full color, often one stone per page. Information and size is given for each stone.

This serial publication is a good way to keep abreast of the latest and best stones to be found in the Gobi Desert. It is always useful to learn about progress and pending plans, such as a grand new viewing stone museum that will be built in Alashan over the next two or three years.

Jia Xiangyun 2008

Chinese Stone Appreciation Series: Chinese Taihu Stones

Rating: TBA

Shanghai Century Publishing Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Scientific and Technical Publishers. Shanghai. 144 pp. ISBN: 978-7-5323-9037-3. 43 RMB when published.

This is one of a series of books on Chinese stones from the Flower, Penjing & Stone Appreciation Branch of the Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture. Taihu stones may be the most widely known stone internationally because of their form and the wide use of “Taihu stones” in the construction of classical Chinese gardens in western countries. Seven chapters comprise this modest volume. It is a well-researched volume that contains far more information about these stones than some larger format books filled with pretty pictures. Chapters topics range from the appreciation of the stones to the classification and types of stones to how they were formed and, how then spread in China are all in this book. This book is for serious students of Chinese stone appreciation and especially for those interested in learning about true Taihu stone--not the generic name applied to Taihu-like stones used in western gardens. Despite the small size, 14 x 20 cm, the color illustrations are excellent and effective.

Jia Xiangyun Ed. 2010

2 vols. History of Chinese Stone Appreciation Culture

Rating: Excellent, the single best reference on the history and development of stone appreciation in China.

Shanghai Scientific & Technical Publishers, Shanghai. 725 pp. ISBN 978-7-5478-0466-7. 420 RMB when published

This valuable reference is the result of a ten-year effort by a group of Chinese scholars to produce an accurate, up-to-date record of the history and development of stone appreciation in China. The editors translated the Chinese title as The Phylogeny of Chinese Shangshi Culture and this English title appears on the cover of the book. However, most western readers may not recognize from the use of the word phylogeny—the evolutionary development and diversification of a species or group of organisms—that this is the finest reference to date tracing the history of stone appreciation from its beginnings to modern times.

Jia and his 17 associates organized this work into five major parts, with each part further subdivided into chapters and each chapter broken into units. The first volume consists of two parts: part one provides a 74-page overview of shangshi culture in China, part two is a lengthy, 258-page, history of shangshi culture. The second volume contains the remaining three parts. Part three focuses on natural scenery and garden stones; indoor stones, fossils, meteorites and stalactites; ink stones, and stone sculptures. Part four presents major celebrities of shangshi, well known works and masterpieces, and an interpretation of ancient books. Part five presents the significant events in the long history of shangshi history. Volume two concludes with a list of the 192 references cited in this work.

This work is lavishly illustrated with numerous and excellent color photographs. The format makes it easy-to-use reference. The design and production are of the highest quality. There is a six-page summary and Table of Contents are in English as well as in Chinese. Every aspect of this reference is outstanding. Jia and his associates are to be commended for their scholarship and persistence in the ten years it took them to produce this book

Jian Lianying 2013

Ruyuan Color Stones

Rating: Very Good: a beautiful introductory photo album of these stones; although there is little information given about their origin and their composition.

Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County, 299 pp. No ISBN number. No price given.

This interesting book introduces a relatively new type of stone from Guangdong Province to the wide suite of Chinese stones being collected today. Ruyuan stones are ancient—reportedly formed during the late Simian Early Cambrian period 600 million years ago. These metamorphic stones contain many elements that are largely responsible for the bright colors and fascinating patterns that rival or even exceed the grass and flower stones from Guangxi province. These are mined and processed in Shaoguan City which is located in the northern Guangdong county of Ruyuan. Many of these stones are polished and, more recently, they have been sliced into thin slabs that are mounted in wood frames for wall hanging and for floor furniture similar to the use of Dali sliced marble.

This is another first-class book production on Chinese stones. Each page is illustrated with excellent photographs of one or two stones. It may be hard to believe that these are real naturally occurring stones, but they truly are. Other than cutting and polishing, no other enhancements were made to these stones. The pages are sown into signatures and properly bound for a long-lasting volume. Information about the county and city in which these stones are produced is included at the end. The obvious intent of this book is to establish Ruyuan stones as high-end decorative pieces for use indoors. They are remarkably colorful stones.

Lai Renji 2016

China Kun Stones

Rating: Excellent, the most comprehensive work on these stones to date. Non-Chinese readers can learn much about these stones from the numerous photographs.

Geology Publishing Company, Longyan City, Fujian province. 225 pp. ISBN: 978-7-116-09620-2. 398 RMB when published.

Collectors of traditional Chinese stones will be delighted to see this new book on one of China’s most famous stones—Kun from Jiangsu province. These delicate and intricate stones, actually mineral formations, were listed in Du Wan’s Yulin Shipu (Stone Catalog of Cloudy Forest) published between 1126 and 1130 CE. Now, we have a volume that assembles much of the information about these stones, their collectors, and poems written about these stones.

China Kun Stones opens with a summary of these stones followed by an introduction to the major serious collectors of these stones. This work is generously illustrated with excellent sharp photographs that show the details in each stone. A complete range of the different variations of Kun stones are illustrated in the volume, making it the most comprehensive set of photographs published to date. The editor of this book devoted a section of the book to older poems that had been publish centuries earlier to illustrate the historical importance of these stones. The editor concludes the book with numerous photographs taken at various stone exhibitions and festivals throughout China where Kun stones were displayed. This is a valuable contribution by one of China’s leading Kun stone collectors.

Lai, Zhanjiang Ed. 2006

Yingshi

Rating: Low, of limited value to those who do not read Chinese. Its usefulness is less than that of other publications relating to Ying Stones. Nonetheless, it is a bargain at $1.75.

Guangdong People’s Publication Company. Guangzhou. Lingnan Culture Understanding Series. 87 pp. ISBN: 7-218-05273-8/G•1343. 10 RMB. Softcover.

This is a low-cost, entry-level volume for people who wish to learn good basic information about Ying Stones. It was produced to promote Lingnan culture and Yingde City to the Chinese domestic market. Yingshi is an attractive publication with many small black and white photographs that is part of a series of inexpensive guides to varying aspects of Lingnan culture. It has a perfect (glued) binding with relatively low quality paper; thus, this book is not intended to be a lasting reference on Ying Stones.

Lai Zhanjiang, Lin Chaofu, & Fan Guidian Eds. 2007

Purpose of Yingshi (Yingshi-zhi)

Rating: Low, unless you have a specific interest in Yingde City and the development of modern stone appreciation here.

Government Cooperative Yingde Culture Information Committee and the Yingde City Fantastic Stone Association. Yingde Culture History Information #18. 195 pp. No ISBN. No price.

Yingshi-zhi is an interesting little volume in that it was produced by the local government for distribution, apparently at no cost, to promote various aspects of Ying stone appreciation. While some historical information is included, it is a useful volume for learning about the development of modern Ying Stone cultivation and promotion in city of Yingde. Thus, it documents steps taken by the local government and stone enthusiasts, collectors and dealers, to promote these stones. Officials hope to develop a growing interest in Ying Stones as a mechanism contributing to the economic growth of this region of Guangdong Province. The postage stamp-sized, black and white photographs are not very useful to non-Chinese reading audiences. This is a book that was used to promote Ying Stone appreciation domestically.

Li Jiazhen., Zhang Gangshung, & Yu Tiejie 1999

Zhonggo Juhuashi. Chinese Chrysanthemum Stones

Rating: Recommend for the chrysanthemum stone specialists only.

Chinese University of Geosciences Publishing Co., Wuhan. 62 pp. 19.50 RMB.

A small format paperback that focuses on the chrysanthemum stones of China, particularly those from Hunan and Hubei Provinces. It provides excellent coverage of the stones from Liuyang, a county famous for its carved objects made from chrysanthemum stones from this region. A considerable body of data has been published on these stones since the volume was issued. It’s a valuable reference for those specializing in chrysanthemum stones, but likely of limited valuable to the general collector of Chinese stones. This illustrated volume contains both color and black and white photographs. It is long out of print and likely difficult to find.

Li, Shigui 2008

Heaven Endowed Jade Pebbles. Precious Rain Flower Pebbles from Luhe

Rating: Excellent, a great book on Rain Flower stones from Luhe, especially for English reading audiences.

Jiangsu People’s Publishing House. Nanjing. 184 pp. ISBN: 978-7-214-05427-2. 280 RMB when published.

This handsome book was produced by the District Party Committee and District Government of Luhe to coincide with the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008. The large format, 29 x 29 cm, and beautiful design are well suited to feature outstanding Rain Flower stones from Luhe. Luhe and Luhe District are located about 45 km from Nanjing and is home to a giant gravel mine, the present day source of these stones.

The stones illustrated in this volume are grouped in five sections—landscape, people, animals, peculiarity, and plants—based upon the interpretation of the pattern of each stone. These five groups comprise the higher valued Rain Flower stones. The peculiarity section includes stones with interesting patterns or rare and unusual colors forms. Each page has only one or two stones illustrated per page, rarely three. This allows viewer to examine every detail of each stones. The name of each stone is given in Chinese and English. A brief statement or poem and the dimensions are also given for each stone. The photograph, design, printing and binding are all excellent.

Li Shuhua. 2019. 2^nd Edition

A Cultural History of Chinese Penjing

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference for viewing stone connoisseurs as well as for penjing and bonsai practitioners.

Chinese Forestry Publishing House. Beijing. 712 pages. ISBN: 978-7-5219

This is truly a monumental publication of importance to the viewing stones and penjing/bonsai communities. This massive volume traces the history of penjing from its earliest days to the present. This major undertaking took many years of study and gathering data, and the result of this second and greatly enlarged 2^nd edition of Li Shuhua's Cultural History of Chinese Penjing. Li is a genuine scholar, having obtained his Ph.D. degree from Kyoto University, one Japan's leading institutions of higher learning.

Most people do not realize that viewing stone appreciation has a common origin with that of stylized trees in pots. This book begins with the early indications of penjing and shangshi culture forming in the Zhou dynasty (1046-256 BCE) and presents the data for their development in the Six dynasties period (220-589 CE). During the following Tang dynasty (618-907 AD), stone appreciation and penjing were popular and documented in writings. Li continues to trace the growing maturity of penjing culture in succeeding chapters to and including modern China. He then records how penjing spread internationally.

This second edition is truly a monumental work pulling together the vast information about these subjects into one work. Li's efforts should receive greater international recognition for his achievements in making this information available. Unfortunately this important work lacks an English translation.

This volume is generously illustrated with reproductions of various works of art.

Li Yunsheng 2016

Collection of Grand Classics of Famous Stones of Liuzhou Vol. 5

Rating: excellent, a volume that will grow in importance and value over time.

Li Jiang Publishing Company. Guilin. 322 pp. ISBN: 978-7-5407-7939-9. 480 RMB when published.

This fifth volume of a series that was first published in 2002 firmly established Liuzhou and Guangxi provinces as major centers for modern stone appreciation in China. These volumes present the finest stones collected, or stone displays developed, in the last two or three years in southern China. Not only are the stones illustrated in this volume excellent, but it shows us that the base styles and method of displaying bases are slowly changing. In the edition, low box and platform styles of bases reminiscent of those used in ancient times can be seen. Many traditional Jiangnan style bases are also present. But most noticeable are the growing number of modern contemporary-style bases with elaborate carving of naturalistic landscape scenes. The base and the display table are being combined into a single unit.

The volume along with the previous four volumes constitutes one of the most important sets of references for the study of modern southern Chinese viewing stones. They are providing a continuous timeline of the evolving types of stones collected and the manner in which they are displayed.

Li Zhenkui 2014

Marble Paintings Glorifying Da Li. On Marble

Rating: Excellent, a beautiful and easy-to-use volume illustrating some of the finest Dali marble known.

Collection of Mr. Li Zhenkui. 178 pp. Yunnan Art Publishing Co. ISBN: 978-7-5489-1615-4. 1,680 RMB.

This is an extraordinary book for two reasons: First, it provides readers with a visual and written record of one of the finest private modern collections of Dali marble ever assembled in Yunnan Province. The owner, Mr. Li Zhenkui, began as a painter then switched to a successful career in landscape design where he blended ancient Chinese gardening principles with modern landscape designs. His artistic abilities helped him to acquire an amazing and beautiful collection of traditional and modern pieces of Dali marble pieces. Each is exquisitely displayed in this book—one per page. Background information about Mr. Li in included in Chinese and English.

Second, is the book design, layout, and production. A true artist designed this book rather than a commercial book designer. The design elements complement each other perfectly and the attention to detail is something that is rarely seen in most books published today. This is the work of a creative and innovative person who truly loves art and books. The signature are sewn together and then bound between two hard covers held together by eight large stitches. It is a blending of traditional string bound book design with modern book production techniques.

The limited edition of just 1,000 copies combined with the high quality of this beautify book means it will become a true collector’s item in the future.

Liang Zhaochu Ed. 2018

Qiungwan (Playful Items): Sleeping Clouds on the Stone

Rating: Excellent for its new graphically beautiful approach to appreciating traditional stones.

Zhejiang Peoples Art Publication Company, Hangzhou. 247 pp. ISBN: 978-7-5340-7042-6. 150 RMB when published.

This exciting new book focuses on looking at and understanding the aesthetic features of stones. It is not another photo book published merely to present an individual’s collection. Instead this book offers critical comments, and appears to be part of a new wave of publications that emphasizes the appreciation of stones. The book is organized into five chapters each revealing different approach to looking at traditional stones. Chapter one—Road in Forest and Stones Alongside Water and chapter two—Stones for the Drunk to Sleep On indicate what is in store for readers. Chapters three and four—Understanding Spirits of Stones Without Saying and Understanding Chinese Paintings from a Piece of Stone and a Pine Tree reinforce the need to look at stones carefully and as aesthetic objects. The final chapter—When You are Drunk, Appreciate Stones; When You are Awake, Appreciate Stones conveys the message that one can appreciate stones under many different conditions.

The modern layout and design as well as the quality of the photographs is superb. The authors’ intent is to encourage those who appreciate stones to pay greater attention to individual stones and the manner in which they are displayed. A second fan-fold book of paintings of delicate abstract-shaped stones accompanies this volume. Text is included with each illustration. Chinese language readers will obviously gain much more from this book than readers who are unable to read the text.

Lin Youlin, 1613

Suyuan Shipu

Rating: Excellent, a must for people working to become viewing stone connoisseurs.

Reproduced from the original by the Guangling Publishing Company, Yongzhou. 2006. 4 volumes. ISBN: 978-7-80694-209-3.

The purpose of reviewing a 407-year-old book is to acquaint readers with sone of the most influential books ever written on viewing stone appreciation. While this work was not the earliest volume solely on appreciating stone for their aesthetic qualities, it was the first illustrated book published. The Suyuan Shipu or Plain Garden Stone Catalog consisted of four volumes with 249 illustrations and text of 102 kinds of stones. The author, Lin Youlin (1578-1647), wrote this work in 1623 while serving as governor of Long'an province (now the northern part of Sichuan province). Lin Youlin was an elegant, gracious gentleman with good manners and a keen interest in viewing stones, calligraphy, and painting.

This work is a compilation of known information about viewing stones in the early 17^th century. According to Kemin Hu (Scholar's Rocks in Ancient China, 2002), Lin Youlin reportedly included illustrations of stones owned by Mi Fu and Su Shi. Illustrations of well-known stones like Lingbi, Taihu, and Ying are illustrated together with many small stones that played an important role in the early Chinese history of stone appreciation in China. Suyuan Shipu influenced viewing stone theory at the time of publication and hundreds of years afterward. The illustrations are well-defined and with sufficient details that many types of stones can be identified. This book also became an important reference for stone painters in the late Ming and Qing dynasties. Different later editions were published. Some of these editions reached Japan, where he influenced early Japanese views on stone appreciation.

Many editions of this work have been reprinted and are available to current readers. We recommend this larger format, four-volume reprint rather than other reprints.

Liu Daorong 2006

Introductory Level Encyclopedia of Stone Collection

Rating: Excellent, Introductory level

Qishi Shoucang Rumen Baike. Jilin Publishing Group Co., Ltd. Changchun. 281 pp + 6 pp appendix. ISBN 978-7-80720-625-5. 88 RMB.

This attractive smaller format book is nearly equally divided between color illustrations and text. It is a handy general introduction to the wide range of stones utilized in stone appreciation circles. There are four main chapters, each with multiple sections. The main chapters are: introduction of stones, types of stones, stone assessment, and the collection of stones. This volume is a high quality publication in soft, but water-resistant and sturdy soft covers. It is small enough, 17.2 x 24.5 cm, to be carried in the stone markets when searching for new acquisitions. The book is in Chinese.

Liu Daorong 2007

Complete Collection and Appreciation of Chinese Fantastic Stones

Rating: Excellent, general reference

Ji Lin Publishing Co., Ltd., Changchun. 448 pp. ISBN 978-7-80720-762-7. 158 RMB.

This richly illustrated book is basically an encyclopedia of stone appreciation in China. It provides brief descriptions of each type of stone, mineral or fossil used in modern stone appreciation. There are ten chapters including topics such as the origin of stones, types of stones, standards for assessing stones, fossils, jewelry quality stones, approaches to collecting stones, and the value of stones. Information is included about each stone illustrated; that is, its type, origin, and size, and sometimes even current price ranges for stones of this type and quality. This is a valuable book for people new to stone collecting because it beautifully illustrates the vast range of stones. It is a high quality, hard bound volume which sells for a very reasonable price. Text is entirely in Chinese.

Liu Daorong 2013

Fantastic Stones: Collection and Introductory Encyclopedia

Rating: Excellent, a good way to be up to date with the many stone types being collected and sold throughout China today.

Ji lin Publishing Group Ltd. Changchun. 375 pp.ISBN: 978-7-122-15529-0. 128 RMB when published.

Modern stone appreciation culture in China is rapidly changing with the introduction into the marketplace of many new stone types each year. It is difficult for the Chinese stone collectors to keep up to date on all the stone types. Thus, it is nearly impossible for Western stone collectors keep abreast of these new additions. The best way to try to be informed about the suite of stones in the marketplace today is by referencing newly published books, such as Liu Dao Rong’s latest contribution. Liu has produced earlier encyclopedic books on stones, but this volume contains many of the newer stone types, and expands his 2007 encyclopedia by approximately 100 pages. An added feature is a 12-page classification scheme based upon how the stones were formed in nature.

This hard-bound edition is generously illustrated, which helps to identify the various stone types. It is well designed and contains sharp, high quality photographs. A DVD of stone illustrations is included with the print copy, and contains a video presentation of the author.

Liu Daorong and He Ping 2014

Elementary Encyclopedia to Balin Stone Collection

Rating: Excellent, this is a valuable reference for readers interested in Chinese stone carving.

Chemical Industry Publishing Co. Beijing. ISBN 978-7-122-19837-2. 296 pp. 98 RMB when published.

Chinese stones, natural and altered, have been appreciated as art objects for thousands of years. Some of these stones have served as the medium for art objects to be created through different forms of carving. This book provides readers with a thorough review of one of the most commonly used stones for carving—Balin. Balin stone is used for making seals for stamping, beads for necklaces, and for intricate works of art. The stone, agalmatolite, originates from Mt. Yamatu in the Balin Right Banner in Inner Mongolia. It is soft, waxy, and comes in various colors.

This volume starts with a brief introduction to the mine and surrounding area where Balin stone occurs and the variety of types of the stones found at this location. The seven chapter’s cover all aspects of these stones from carving tools and techniques to the different end products produced from Balin stones.

This quality production is well designed, generously illustrated with hundreds of excellent photographs, and will serve as a valuable reference to Balin stones for many years. The seven chapters cover all aspects of these stones from how to carve the stone to the different end products produced from Balin stones.

Liu Renniao, Ed. 2006

Monumental Collection List of Chinese Ying Stone

Rating: The best illustrated book we know of for Ying Stones.

Culture and Art Publishing House. Beijing. 270 pp. cased. ISBN: 5039-3115-9/J. 498 RMB when published.

Ying stone are one of the four famous and most revered of the Chinese viewing stones. They have been appreciated for their shape and beauty for approximately 1,000 years. These stones are quite versatile and are used as garden stones, viewing stones, stones for rock penjing and root-over-rock penjing, and in construction.

This book is primarily a grand photo album of famous Ying stones; it contains only eight pages of text at the beginning of this book. It is organized into five main sections: Classical Old Ying Stones, Excellent Ying Stone Examples, Famous Ying Stones in Various Gardens, Contemporary Award Winning Ying Stones, and Rare Ying Stones in Private Collections. This provides an opportunity for Western readers to see and learn about the wide range of over 250 excellent Ying stones, past and present, without having a working knowledge of the Chinese language.

It is a large, hard bound book measuring 28.5 x 28.5 cm with a sewn binding. It is easy to grasp the size and nature of each since only one stone is illustrated per page. The color photographs are good, but not excellent. Because this is one of the few books devoted solely to Ying stones, we are willing to overlook the quality of the photographs.

Liu Yong Chuang 2014

Appreciation of Chrysanthemum Stones

Rating: Good, an important source of information about Chinese flower pattern stones.

ISBN: 1978-7-89990-446-6 Shandong Publishing Company, Guangzhou.30 Yuan when published.

This is the latest contribution to the growing body of published works on chrysanthemum flower stones. The author, Mr. Liu, is an avid collector of Huadu chrysanthemum flower stones near Guangzhou, China. This type of stone, composed mainly of quartz, is gathered on Chrysanthemum mountain in the Huadu district of Guangzhou. Liu also collects other stones of this type for a small museum he established solely to these stones. Collectors familiar with chrysanthemum stones will recognize many of the photographs in the book. They and the accompanying text were excerpted from Tom Elias’ and Hiromi Nakaoji’s 2010 book, Chrysanthemum Stones, The Story of Stone Flowers.

The value of this work is the additional information about the poorly known Huadu chrysanthemum flower stones that are composed mainly of quartz crystals and the additional information about the different Chinese chrysanthemum flower stones. It is a well-illustrated attractive book that will help bring Chinese reading audiences up to date about this popular type of pattern stones.

Lu Shundong 2016

Chinese Viewing Stones. Grand Illustrations of Excellent Stones

Rating: Excellent, this book achieves a balance between traditional and more contemporary types of stones as well as traditional and contemporary methods of displaying stones

Baozang Magazine Publications. 247 pages. No ISBN. Slipcase. 280 RMB when published.

This elegant, large-format (28.5 x 28.5 cm) volume illustrates over 200 excellent stones from throughout China. These have been selected from vast collections and represent many of the finest viewing stones ranging from classical to modern types. In the last five decades, many new stone types were incorporated into Chinese stone appreciation culture. During this time, only a few stones with truly great attributes rose to the top. The stones illustrated in this book gives readers a better understanding of the features and types of stones valued most in China at the time of publication.

Chinese Viewing Stones, Grand Illustrations of Excellent Stones begins with four short essays—one each on Lingbi, Gobi, Red River and Long (Yangtze) River stones. The majority of the book, photographs of outstanding stones, is divided in to four major sections. Historical stones comprise the first group, while figure and nature stones are grouped together in the second section. The third group of stones relate to famous landscapes and people. The finals section of illustrates are stones that serve as a reflection of feelings. Brief information concerning ownership, size, and where it was exhibited is included for each stone. A list of the stones owners and their telephone number is given on the last pages of the book.

The photography, layout and design, and the production is excellent. Books of this quality are what helps to advance the stone appreciation hobby and industry in China. It is not surprising that China enjoy the largest and most progressive stone appreciation culture globally.

PRC Education Department Ed. 2008

Cang Pin. Getting to Winter, Breeze on Stones

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference for Chinese stone connoisseurs.

Special Issue on Stone Appreciation. December, 2008. 228 pp. ISSN: 1671-9956. 48 RMB when published.

This is an important issue of this serial arts journal that has been overlooked by the viewing stone community. It is a comprehensive account of the illustrated works of viewing stones throughout the history of stone appreciation in China. Starting with the earliest cave and hand scroll paintings of stones and continuing to present day leading artists of stone paintings, this volume includes important western scholarly publications as well as the Chinese literature. It includes all the better-known illustrated works but also includes lesser-known publications such as Yan Daxiu’s Hundred Stone Garden, color paintings of 100 stones, completed in 1933. The inclusion of modern non-traditional paintings of stones further adds to the value of this issue.

This is the only work that we know of that has assembled this information in one volume. Unfortunately, this number of copies printed of each issue of Cang Pin are limited; thus, this issue is difficult to obtain. An English language translation of this issue would be of great value to the limited number of important reference relating to Chinese stone appreciation.

Ren David 2000

The Imperial Rocks

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference on historically important courtyard stones

Three Associates Book Shop. Hong Kong.ISBN: 7-108-01237-5. In slipcase. 580 RMB when published.

This is a valuable reference because of the excellent scholarship brought to bear on a single topic—the courtyard rocks that have survived from past dynasties in imperial China. Ren and the other specialists with whom he collaborated were able to provide reliable dating of 80 different courtyard rocks along with important data about the pedestals displaying these stones. These rocks are preserved today in a number of places in Beijing: the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, Beihai Park, and Zhongshan Park, all in Beijing.

Each of the 80 stones is given a full page photograph plus an additional page devoted its description. Most of the stones treated in this work are attributed to the Qing dynasty. However, 2 stones are believed to be from the early Qing, 44 stones from the middle Qing, and 9 date from the late Qing. Also of interest are 19 stones attributed to the Ming dynasty, and 3 are believed to date back to the Yuan dynasty.

Lingbi, Ying, and Taihu stones are the most common types found among these 80 stones. However, petrified wood, bamboo stones, petrified coral, strange rocks, and lake rocks are also included among the different types illustrated in this book. Ren and his collaborators distinguished between Taihu stones and other Tahui-like stones that originated from other lakes. Today, these would all be combined under the now generic term “Taihu stones.” Two pieces of petrified wood are included, both attributed to the mid Qing dynasty. One is a large straight stone standing erect on a stone pedestal. The other petrified wood fragment is a long, narrow stone held upright in an elaborately carved stone pedestal.

Three essays by leading Chinese specialists complement the individual treatments of the eighty stones. These include a comparison between the form and texture of these rocks with rock images found in contemporary paintings and another on the meaning of the rocks.

The design, printing and binding of this large format, 23 x 30 cm, book meets the highest standards in book production. The text is in Chinese: English is limited to a one-page summary and a table of contents in English at the back of the book.

Ren David 2002

Classical Chinese Rocks

Rating: Excellent, one of the best references for classical Chinese stones.

Three Associates Book Shop. Hong Kong.ISBN: 7-108-01237-5. In slipcase. 580 RMB when published.

This second book by David Ren is in many ways his most important work on classical Chinese stones. -Classical Chinese Rocks is one of the most important books published about the stones that were collected and appreciated during the Imperial Period. This is a scholarly work that combines information from both the Chinese and Western literature on this subject.

This volume is divided into three major sections. In the opening History section, Ren devotes a chapter to each of the dynasties that played an important role in Chinese stone appreciation—Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing. Ren uses the word Shangshi throughout when referring to Chinese stones. The second section is a series of discourses on; 1) study of Shangshi, 2) bases for Shangshi, 3) chronology of Shangshi, and 4) appreciation of Shangshi. Both the first and second sections are amply illustrated. The third major section is devoted to the illustration and description of outstanding stones. The large format of this book, often with just one stone per page, provides an excellent opportunity to study in detail the wide range of stones appreciated during Imperial China. Ren provides a list of English language references and an even more extensive list of Chinese references used in preparation of this book. It is, perhaps, the most thoroughly documented study of classical Chinese stones to date.

Ren Duan 2012

Appreciation of Water Grass Flowers in Yellow Dragon Jade

Rating: Recommended, especially for people interested in agates, stone art, and jewelry made from stones.

Geology Publishing Co., Beijing. 213 pp. ISBN: 978-7-116-07726-3. 180 RMB.

This book is devoted to a specialized type of stone that is mainly siliceous, including agates, that have dendritic mineral formations that resemble branches and leaves of moss. These formations consist of black manganese or iron oxides. They can be strikingly beautiful when included in a lighter color stone such as Yellow Jade or Yellow Wax. In Yunnan province these stones are referred to as Yellow Dragon Jade and the dendritic formations are called by some as water grass flowers. All of the stones illustrated in this volume have been worked to reveal the exquisite natural beauty found inside each piece. The natural unworked stones are often irregular shaped pieces whose sizes ranges from that of a ping pong ball to a soccer ball. It is only when the outer heavily weathered surface material has been removed that stone enthusiasts can see the beautiful interior of these stones.

Shanghai Viewing Stone Association. Eds. 2020

2019 Hai Shang Shi Yu (2019 Shanghai-style Stone Stories)

Shanghai Viewing Stone Association, Shanghai. 250 pages, No ISBM.

This book, a catalog of small stones exhibited from November 22-28, 2019, in Shanghai, is a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary stone display methods. Shanghai-style Stone Stories was one of the last significant displays of Chinese stones before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down exhibitions and major international stone conventions throughout China. The Shanghai Viewing Stone Association published this volume in February 2020.

In Shanghai-style Stone Stories, several traditional table-style bases are interspersed among the more numerous and amazingly creative modern-style bases. Not everyone likes these intricately carved combinations of a base and display table. However, I find them very appealing and cleverly done. I also like the emphasis on smaller stones, many 30 cm or less. These smaller stone displays are better suited for apartments and smaller homes and for contemporary lifestyles. Most of the bases are not subtle and subordinate to the stone. Instead, they are more obvious and combine with the stone to convey a message or evoke feelings in the viewer.

This hardbound volume is well-designed and produced. The photographs are sharp and displayed one stone per page, allowing viewers to study each display's detail. Accompanying information about each stone and display is included.

Rating: Excellent; this provides a window to the types of stones and displays that are in vogue in China at this time.

Shen Guo Qing Ed. 2012

Chinese Ornamental Stone

Rating: Recommended, especially for studying modern stone display techniques.

White Mountain Publishing Company, Shanghai. 157 pp. ISBN: 978-7-5529-0193-1. 268 RMB when published.

Thirty-one stone collectors contributed one or more images to form the basis for this recent publication. As a result, this book presents a good overview of what collectors consider to be their better quality stones. Therein lies the value of this volume. The photographs are excellent, so a viewer can look at details of each stone and its base. There are numerous superb bases in this volume. In modern Chinese stone appreciation, the quality and appropriateness of the base is of equal in importance to the shape, texture, and color of the stone.

One or two stones are illustrated per page. The stones originate from many regions of China, but a number are from the Gobi Desert regions and from southwestern China. The stones are mainly ones that have been valued as a viewing stone since the 1980s, but, there are also some nice Lingbi and Kun stones illustrated. All text is in Chinese.

Shi Xin Ed. 2008

Desert Rare Stone Treasures

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference for stones from the Bayannoer and Alashan regions of the Gobi Desert.

Hua Yi Publishing House, Beijing. In slipcase. ISBN: 978-7-80142-909-4. 232 pp. 320 RMB when published.

This impressive volume documents many of the outstanding stones collected in the Bayannaoer and Alashan Leagues in the Gobi Desert in the late 1990 by Mr. Wei Jinxue. Mr. Wei spent four years gathering these stones that now form the collection of the Desert Rare Stone Museum in Changping District. He collected a stone named “Ages”, one of the most famous Gobi Desert stones known. This book documents some of the finest stones collected in this region; it is not a work that shows the vast array of stones found throughout the entire range of the Gobi.

It is another excellent production with quality photographs, paper, and binding. One advantage of Desert Rare Stone Treasures is the inclusion of English translations. The table of contents and the names of each stone are presented in both Chinese and English. Several short introductory essays are also presented in both languages.

Shou Jiahua 2007

Viewing Stone Introduction

Rating: Excellent, a great introductory level book.

Geology Publishing Company, Beijing. 140 pp. ISBN: 978-7-116-05262-8. 28 RMB when published.

This is an excellent, small introductory book to Chinese Stone appreciation. Readers can rely on the information and accurately identified photographs because the chief editor also serves as the Chairperson of the View Stone Association of China. This is a high quality publication with excellent photographs and carefully research text. Information presented here is concise. This is intended to serve as an entry level book to the vast world of Chinese stone appreciation.

Shou Jiahua Ed. 2008

Fine Elements and Cream Developed Over Time

Rating: Excellent, recommended

Geology Publishing House. Beijing. 252 pp. illustrated. ISBN 978-7-116-05670-1. 980 RMB.

Don’t let the English translation of the title mislead you. This is an excellent book produced under the supervision and senior editorship of Shou Jiahua, Chairperson of View Stone Association of China. The editors of this volume have selected an outstanding range of stones, classical and modern, and illustrated them with wonderful, sharp, color photographs. It is basically a photo album with limited descriptive text. Stones from every region of China are discussed including stones from Taiwan. The layout of this book makes it easy to study each stone since only one stone is illustrated per page. Each photograph is accompanied by the name, measurements, owner of the stone, and comments about each stone in Chinese and English. As a result, this volume will be of greater interest to English speaking only audiences. It is an attractive volume measuring 30 x 21 cm and comes with a cardboard slip case.

Shou Jiahua 2016.

China Stone Catalogue

Rating: Excellent, recommended

China Book Bureau, Beijing. 1522 pages total. ISBN: 978-7-101-11945-9. 1960 RMB when published.

The recently published China Stone Catalogue will quickly become the primary reference on modern Chinese stone appreciation. This comprehensive six-volume book brings together a wealth of information from historical to modern times. Madam Shou Jia Hua, Chairperson of the View Stone Association of China, assembled a task force of approximately 90 specialists who worked for many years to assemble the vast amount of information in this extraordinary publication. This included a panel of 15 senior academic counselors, a 40-member advisory committee, 28 members of an editorial and selection committee, and 3 translators.

China Stone Catalogue consists of six hard-bound volumes. The individual volumes are:

Book 1: China Stone Appreciation Cultural History: from ancient to modern (239 pgs.).
Book 2: China Stone Appreciation Cultural History: contemporary summaries of the major stone catalogues of the Chinese dynasties (194 pgs.).
Book 3: Distribution of Chinese Viewing stone resources (353 pgs.)
Book 4: Chinese Viewing Stones Illustrated I (395 pgs.)
Book 5: Chinese Viewing Stones Illustrated II (383 pgs.)
Book 6: Chinese Viewing Stones Illustrated III (353 pgs.)

The first two volumes address the history and development of the stone appreciation culture. Volume two specifically addresses the numerous stone catalogues that were published over the last nearly 1,000 years. Many of these were simply manuals showing how to draw and paint rocks, but there were several important works that addressed the aesthetic qualities of stones. These are more pertinent to the viewing stone culture and are addressed in this volume.

The remaining four volumes are devoted to the distribution and identification of the vast number of stones, minerals, and fossils found in China. The primary goal of volume three is to illustrate where the different stones, minerals, and fossils are found. It provides maps showing the locations of these different types. Next are province-by-province sections that begin with a map of a province showing the locations of the stones, minerals, and fossils. Next, examples and brief descriptions of the geologic objects are provided. Volume three is based upon the 2011 publication China Viewing Stone Resource Map, but this information has been updated and expanded.

Volumes 4, 5 and 6 are devoted to provincial accounts of the different types of stones, minerals and fossils found in each of those administrative regions. Outstanding examples of viewing stones are beautifully illustrated, usually one per page, and accompanied by a brief description. No other published book illustrates the range and beauty of modern Chinese stones as well as these volumes of China Stone Catalogue.

This tour de force publication is an important reference that should be in the library of every serious connoisseur of Chinese stones and in the libraries of every university with a program in Asian studies. Every aspect of the production of this book—design, printing, and binding—reflects the high quality of many books being produced in China today. The boxed set of China Stone Catalogue weighs 10.4 kg (23 pounds).

Shou Jiahua & Wang Xiancheng. 2021

The Concise View Stone Dictionary

Baozang Publishing Company, Beijing. 255 pages, ISSN: 1672-8416. 78 RMB when published.

China has the world's largest and most active community of viewing stone enthusiasts. The View Stone Association of China recognizes more than 600 different types of stones collected and appreciated for their aesthetic qualities. The number of stone types has expanded considerably since the mid-1970s. This valuable reference helps to unify and clarify the definition of these types of stones, along with a plethora of associated words and terms used in the collection, display, and appreciation of Chinese stones.

This dictionary was assembled by the View Stone Association of China (VSAC) staff, with Shou Jiahua and Wang Xiancheng serving as senior editors. Madam Shou served for many years as the chair of VSAC each entry in this dictionary is in Chinese and English, although the brief definition of each term is given only in Chinese. The English names serve as a major aid for non-Chinese audiences. For example, If you want to know the difference between Lingbi pattern and Lingbi texture stones, this book is for you.

The Concise View Stone Dictionary is for people who wish to develop a more in-depth understanding of Chinese viewing stones. The definitions reflect modern interpretations and may or may not be in agreement with earlier understandings in the earlier dynastic period of Chinese history.

Rating: Excellent, a valuable addition to the vast literature about Chinese viewing stone appreciation.

Su H 2013

Imperial Banquet and Stone Feast

Rating: Excellent, A valuable reference on the specialized Gobi Desert stones that are displayed in beautiful table and dinner room settings.

I. C. Su Publisher, Taipei, Taiwan. 457 pages. ISBN: 978-957-43-0975-7.

This is an extraordinary book in many respects. Over many years, I.C. and Helen Su have assembled a collection of Gobi Desert stones that resemble different foods. Food stones became popular in the late 1990s, although food objects carved from jade and natural food-like stones date back to Imperial China. The Su’s made several visits to Alashan in Inner Mongolia to acquire their collection. These are ventifacts polished by wind and sand, agates, and a wide range of other stones and stone fragments.

The Sus have one of the largest and finest collections of these stones in the world, and they have gone to great lengths to display the stones in formal table settings. One table reproduces a setting typical of an Imperial Diet, while other tables featuring dishes from the Emperor Qianlong’s Southern trips. Additional tables feature traditional Taiwanese food including street foods and modern Chinese foods. They have even reproduced a traditional Japanese dinner table using stones that are virtually indistinguishable from the edible versions. Western countries are not neglected as they have reproduced table settings typical of North America, French, and Mediterranean dinner tables.

The book is an impressive 22 x 30 cm , and incorporates high quality photographs by Bernice Su. The paper, binding, printing, design and layout all adhere to the highest standards of book production. It comes in a handsomely produced slipcase.

Su H & Wu P Eds. 20

Suiseki Collections in Taiwan

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference about the beautiful stones of Taiwan.

Su, I.C. publisher, 248 pp. ISBN: None. Taipei, Taiwan.

This handsome volume is the best modern book on the native viewing stones of Taiwan. It is of particular value because the text is in Chinese and English. Each of the major types of stone found in Taiwan is featured and described in this book. As a result, this is one of the few books a reader can use to learn about the interesting stones of Taiwan. Among the more interesting stones found here are the watermelon; basalt from Penghu, a small island near Taiwan; turtle-shell, rhodonite or rose; iron; nail; and pattern cobles.

The design and layout of the hard bound book is excellent as is the photography. The superior sown binding is another nice feature to this book. The size, 22 x 31 cm, allows the images of the stones to be reproduced large enough to see every detail.

Sun Huaibin Ed. 2005

An Assemblage of High Quality Lingbi Stones in Baocheng Museum in China

Rating: An excellent book illustrating quality Lingbi and an introduction to an extraordinary museum

Tianjin People’s Art Publishing Company, Tianjin. 354 pp. cased. ISBN 7-5305-2952-8. 580 RMB when published.

This high quality, large format book documents the Lingbi collection of Chai Baocheng, and the extensive museum that he built in Tianjin. The Baocheng Museum consist of a hotel, an extensive grounds with numerous large garden scale stones, an extraordinary forest of approximately 220 fossil trees, and a large two story museum housing an excellent collection of over 400 large Lingbi stones and other stones. The first section of this volume provides a good introduction to this museum and garden. The majority of this book is devoted to beautiful photographs of Chai’s extensive Lingbi collection, typically one stone per page. The stones are grouped into five basic categories. For example, one category is reserved for figure stones while another illustrates only large garden stone. A big advantage of this book is that the text is in both English and Chinese.

Takanashi Masaru 2019

Chinese Stone Appreciation Deserves a Cut

Rating: Excellent, a concise philospohical approach with thorough documentation of this art stone exhibition

Autumn 2018 Series. Zhejang People’s Art Publishing Company, Hangzhou. ISBN: 978-7-5340-7400. 19 pages + 58 individual plates. Boxed, 26 x 35 cm. 260 RMB when published.

This large-format box set is the documentation of Reshaping, an exhibition of 18 works of stone art, that occurred in Shanghai from September 24 through October 24, 2019. The materials consist of a booklet with a preface from Takanashi explaining his approach to this exhibit and why he wishes to change the way people look at traditional Chinese stones. The text is in Chinese, English, and Japanese. Fifty-eight plates accompany the preface. Each stone in the exhibit is featured in two or three plates. The first illustrates the entire stone followed by a close-up of a portion of the stone showing features of the cut surface against a background of natural stone. A third plate shows an even closer view which often morphs into an abstract black and white painting. All the photographs appear to be in black and white due to the stones’ natural color, but the photographs actually are color images reproducing the true colors of the stones.

The text provides Takanashi’s philosophical concept behind his stone art and is essential to understanding his approach. The plates, printed on heavy durable stock, provide different perspectives of each stone in the exhibition. This box set is a quality publication at a very reasonable price. Even the covers of the box reflect the cut edges of the stones.

The Master of the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat 2016

The Inner Realm of Staves and Stones

Rating: Excellent, an important work not to be overlooked. This book is a must for serious collectors of Chinese stones and related artifacts.

Ping Art Space Publishing Co., Hong Kong. 148 pp. ISBN 978-986-91649-3-1. 2,500 NTD.

This fascinating volume presents a series of well-executed ink paintings made by the renowned Chinese antique collector and artist Hugh Moss. The attributed author, The Master of Water, Pine and Stone Retreat, is a pseudonym used by Moss. But it is much more than this as it represents a culmination of Moss’s life-long pursuit of Chinese arts and culture. The dual Chinese and English language text sets the stage with a foreword by James Hsu and a key introduction by Moss on The Literati Spirit and Strange Stones. In this introduction, Moss wrote that the Chinese artistic maturity was in certain key aspects far advanced over that of the West.

Each painting or set of paintings of several stones is accompanied by a text and detailed information about the art work. Moss writes in a creative and imaginative style projecting himself back in time when he was interacting with various recluse literati. In his set of paintings labelled An Affinity for Yunyao, he is interacting with The Lofty Hermit in the Ming dynasty. A Circle of Respect is a series of eight paintings displayed in a base made of turquoise. Root stands, ruyi scepter, dried harden fungi are also the subject of Moss’ brush.

On first glance, this may seem like a whimsical production, however, it is an important avenue to aid serious stone enthusiasts to better understand the aesthetics of classical stone appreciation. Has Hugh Moss reached enlightenment?

Viewing stone enthusiasts may recall one of Moss’s earlier works When Men and Mountains Meet, Chinese and Japanese Spirit Rocks published in 1995.

View Stone Association of China Staff 2011

China Viewing Stone Resource Maps 2 vols

Rating: Excellent, a very valuable resource for viewing stone scholars and for businesses in need of data concerning the available stone resources

Geological Publishing Company, Beijing. 28 pamphlets + 30 maps. No ISBN number. No price.

This remarkable two-volume publication is the work of the staff of the View Stone Association of China (VSAC) with the input data from hundreds of individuals throughout China. Beginning in the 1990s and continuing to the present, dozens of new stone types are being introduced throughout China. They were so numerous that they were sometime difficult to monitor. VSAC set out to catalog these stone types being used and identify new types that have potential as viewing stones or use in making jewelry. The result is a detailed account, province by province, of a listing and brief description of each stone type and a large set of folding maps showing where each type is found. Each of the thirty maps contains the location of viewing stones, fossils, and mineral deposits. The Chinese government through VSAC has provided an impressive guide to stone resources throughout every part of China. This was a monumental task that only VSAC could accomplished with the support and cooperation of each province. Over 600 different stone types are identified in this publication.

It is not surprising that the viewing stone industry has grown so rapidly over the last 20 years. The support of the national government and the expertise of the VSAC staff has been a driving force behind this growth. VSAC estimate that there are approximately 10 million people involved in stone appreciation in China in various capacities and that the value of this industry is approaching 100 billion RMB annually. The majority of this is jewelry made from stones and intricately carved stones from different stone types.

Wang Chen Editor 2010

Lingbi Stone

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference for learning about many outstanding stones

Xiyuan Culture & Art Publishing House of China. Beijing. 350 pp. ISBN: 978-988-99254-1-3/J0015. 580 RMB when published.

Lingbi stones are one of the best documented stones in Chinese literature. This is another detailed account of these variable and fascinating stones. The book is divided into three main categories with the first one containing nineteen pages of historical information. The second section, twenty-one pages in length, presents background material including information about where lingbi stones are found, their chemical composition, how they are removed from the earth, and the different features of excellent stones. The last and main section is a vast gallery that illustrates all of the Lingbi types. This section ends with a series of excellent large stones that are used as outdoor landscape elements.

This is another high quality volume with excellent photography, design, printing and binding. It is a large format, 21 x 28.5 cm (8.5 x 11.5 inches), with generally only one or two stones illustrated per page. As a result, it is easy to examine every detail of each stone and its base. All of the stones are identified and include the measurements.

Wang Hui Ed. 2009

Fantastic Stone Alashan (Qishi Alashan)

Rating: Excellent, especially for those with an interest in desert stones

Geological Publishing House, Beijing. 198 pp. ISBN: 978-7-116-06298-6. 360 RMB when published.

This is one of a series of books devoted solely to Gobi Desert stones. Alashan is an important center in the western part of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and for China’s vast stone appreciation business, especially for stones from the Gobi Desert and fossils from the rich fossil beds of Mongolia and Inner Mongolia. This book features stones from this region. They range from the beautiful, sand-polished ventifacts to agates to the multi-colored grape agates mined from mountains. Viewers will be impressed with the varying shapes and colors of the stones subjected to the etching and polishing by thousands of years of exposure to strong winds laden with sand. Several nice pieces of fossil wood, often in elaborate bases are also included in this volume. The often complex, hand-carved bases are beautiful by themselves, but when carefully matched with an attractive stone, the result is an intriguing work of art.

This book is a high-quality production with excellent photographs. The signatures are sewn together in a hard-bound book to give it a longer life. It is primarily a photo album of stones from the Alashan region; a reading knowledge of Chinese is not essential to learning from the book. It measures 28.5 by 21 cm.

Wang Jingkun Ed. 2000

Lingbi of China

Rating: Recommended, a good pictorial overview of Lingbi stones

Anhui Art Publishing House. Hefei, China. 222 pp. ISBN 7-5398-0839-X/J-839. 238 RMB when published.

A committee led by Nie Xin organized this book into six major sections followed by a single page afterword or summary. Before presenting any of the photographs, the organizing committee presented the six features used in evaluating stones: shape, quality, texture, color, light, and sound. The stones in the six sections are arranged by: displayed in ancient culture, landscape, figure-shaped, simple but true (abstract), and garden stones, and a final five-page review of the literature about these stones. A wide range of Lingbi stones are beautifully illustrated in this basic photographic album, typically one or two stones per page. The photographs are excellent and accompanied by the size of each stone, type of Lingbi, and the owner’s name. Western readers will be surprised to see the wide variety of stone types included in this volume that fall within the category of Lingbi. This book ends with a six-page review of the Chinese literature referring to these stones.

Wang Rongbiao 2015

Chinese Dream of Stone

Rating: Good, nice photographs of good stones, but little new information for serious students of Chinese stones

Hua Lian Rare Stone Association. Taipei, Taiwan. 288 pp. ISBN: 978-986-92109-0-4. 400 RMB and 2,000 NT$ when published.

The Viewing Stone Association of China hosted a delegation of 300 stone enthusiasts from Taiwan at a major stone festival in Alashan three years ago. A year a large delegation of mainland Chinese stone connoisseurs visited Taiwan in a reciprocal visit. This book is a record of the fine exhibition of stones displayed in Taiwan for the exchange visit.

Many fine stones are illustrated in this volume. Most of the stones are from mainland China, although there are sections in the latter part of the book on Taiwan Rose and Nantian stones. Several pieces of Taiwan jade are also included.

Wang Shi Ed. 2006

A Complete Collection of Chinese Viewing Stones

Rating: Recommended, a valuable reference for those who want to learn more and go beyond the pretty picture photo books

Chinese Broadcasting & Television Publishing House. Beijing. 520 pp. ISBN: 7-5043-5001-1. 298 RMB when published.

This is an interesting and useful book because of its different approach to Chinese viewing stones. The approximate first half is 314 pages of text organized in chapters. Thirty-four chapters, each one devoted to a different provinces of China. Then, different stones found in that province are discussed. Unlike most other volumes, this one provides more information about the geology and chemical composition of the various stones. This data make this book much more useful to those seeking more detailed information about Chinese stones.

The second part of the book consist of plates, each plate contains several photographs that illustrate the text each of the thirty-four chapters. Since each photograph is labeled to readily identify it with the text, it is easy to go back and forth between the photos and the text that applies to the illustrated stone.

Wei Bin Chief Editor 2012

Stone Family Tree of Henan

Rating: Excellent introduction to the different types of viewing stones from this province

Guangming Daily Press Publishing Company, Beijing. 435 pp. ISBN: 978-7-5112-2564-1. 498 RMB when published.

This is a massive book that presents the stones found in Henan province in eastern China, west of Anhui and north of Hubei provinces. Henan is famous for the Songshan Mountains and home to the famous Shaolin Temple. Henan province was not a major source of valuable stones in Imperial China; however, they do supply patterned river stones and colorful polished stones such as the Lotus or Plum jade.

One to three stones are illustrated in color on each of the pages. This province abounds in river cobbles with attractive surface patterns. About forty pages at the end of the book are devoted to historically important stones in Chinese stone appreciation culture. Large books such as this one are becoming more expensive each year. This one is approximately $80.

Wen Zhenheng 2019

The Elegant Life of the Chinese Literati, From The Chinese Classic, Treatise on Superfluous Things

Rating: Excellent, this complete translation of this classic provides readers with a good understanding of the cultural history of the late Ming dynasty in China

Translated by Tony Blishen. Better Links Press, New York. ISBN: 978-1-60220-039-5. Price when published $26.95.

A complete English translation of this important Chinese classic published approximately 400 years ago is now available thanks to Tony Blishen. This late Ming dynasty work served as an important guide to the material items used by a cultured gentleman. Scholars date this work between 1615 and the early 1620s. The opinions of Wen Zhenheng, a member of a prominent a wealthy and influential family, were accepted as the standard for the material items a respected gentleman should accumulate, and the way in which were used or displayed. Thus, it influenced standards of respectability and material culture for generations, continuing to the present.

This treatise is divided into twelve chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of cultural items. The chapters are: studios and retreats, flowers and trees, water and rocks, birds and fish, calligraphy and painting, tables and couches, vessels and utensils, dress and ornaments, boats and carriages, placing and arrangement, fruit and vegetables, and incense and tea. Of the several chapters that related to viewing stone appreciation, chapter three on water and stones is the most pertinent. Garden landscape stones as well as small stones that are displayed on tables are described. He explains in several places how stones are worked and shaped. Wen wrote, “Where man-made holes have been worn away by time, and the axe marks have disappeared, it (i.e., Taihu stones) presents an elegant appearance.” He considers the light-colored Kunshan stones to be vulgar in taste and not objects of elegance. Wen also stated “In the mountain streams of Yizhou there are stones of pure red and pure green, which make good curios.” Wen’s observations and opinions have obviously influenced the opinions of many stone connoisseurs today.

Wuhan City Garden Forest Bureau 2009

Lucky Stone Chiefs

Rating: Very Good, a nice guide to an excellent museum

Wuhan Publishing Company, Wuhan. 164 pp, SBN 978-7-5430-4622-1. 58 RMB when published.

This is an attractive guide to the large, well-designed Wuhan Chinese Stone Museum. It is generously illustrated with excellent color photographs of many of their fine stones, fossils, and minerals. This volumes opens with a brief history and photos of how to collect stones in their native habitat. Nearly half the book is devoted to the many viewing stones in the museum’s collection—the best asset of the facility. A smaller section, devoted to the minerals in their holdings, follows. Their fairly extensive fossil collection comprises the last main part of this book.

This soft cover volume is a high quality publication and a good companion for the many visitors to this complex. Foreign, non-Chinese reading visitors, may opt to visit the gift shop to purchase several of the great packets of post cards sold there.

The guide is in Chinese only, although we can hope for an English language edition in the future. Despite that, this inexpensive book is well worth the cost for the photographs alone.

Wu Peide, Xu Wenzheng & Lao Bingheng 2000

Wax Stones of Southern China (Lingnan Cerostone of China)

Rating: Excellent, a must for serious collectors of Yellow Wax stones

.Guangdong Science and Technology Publishing Co., Guangdong. 186 pp. ISBN 7-5359-2381-X. 120 RMB.

The compilers of this book did an outstanding job of combining high-quality images with thirty pages of text. The text, found in the latter part of the book, provides information about the history, types, and other aspects of Lingnan Wax stones. The text is followed by several pages of photographs of in situ scenes of parts of the river where the stones are found, along with examples of rare car-sized boulders of wax stones. While most of the wooden bases are the intricate carved ones typical of Lingnan, the book also shows a wide range of other types of bases used with the stones. The combined images and text makes this one of the most useful references for these beautiful stones.

Wu Xinmin 2008

Kun Stones of China

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference on these extraordinary stones

Shanghai Century Publishing Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Scientific and Technical Publishers. Shanghai. 189 pp. ISBN: 978-7-5323-9133-2. 48 RMB when published.

This volume is one in a series of publications, each of which is devoted to a major type of Chinese viewing stone. This series is excellent, and this volume on Kun Stones is important to readers who wish to gain a more in-depth understanding of these beautiful, delicate, and complex stones. Eight chapters comprise this work. Chapter three describes the different forms or varieties of Kun stones and provides detailed descriptions to each of the five major types. The habitat where these stones are found is described in chapter five. The majority of the book, chapter eight, contains full-page photographs of various Kun stones. Each page in this section has a single, large photograph of a stone along with descriptive information and size.

While the size of the book is small, 14.5 x 21 cm, the content is excellent and very informative. It is a hard bound book with a very modest price. Kun stones have been collected and valued for over 1,000 years and they are included and illustrated in the well known Suyuan Stone Catalog. This catalog was published in 1613.

Wu Yu Wei 2012

Lingbi Appreciation Grand Book

Rating: Excellent, a valuable reference despite its cost

Chinese Culture and History Publication Co., Beijing. 410 pp. ISBN: 978-7-5034-3607-9. 1200 RMB when published.

There are numerous books on Lingbi stones published in the last ten years; however, this latest volume excels because it is the most thorough, accurate, and up-to-date work on the most important of all stones utilized historically and today in Chinese stone appreciation. This book is organized in five chapters starting with history, description, and distribution in chapter one. Chapter two is devoted to a description of the major categories of Lingbi stones. Chapter three examines these stones in gardens and art; while the fourth chapter covers a series of topics including how to name the stones, how to make a base, how to use them in trays, and other topics. The fifth and largest chapter contains 253 pages of photographs showing the wide range of excellent Lingbi stones. The final chapter provides information on known ancient stones.

This high quality, soft-bound book with excellent photographs comes in a slip case. It is an expensive book by Chinese standards. Despite the cost, this book supersedes other earlier published volumes as the best single source for information about Lingbi stones.

Wu Zhong Yan 2012

Alashan Stone Museum

Rating: Good, a great introduction to the stones from central Gobi Desert

Alashan Stone Museum Administrative Committee. 208 pp. No ISBN number. 200 RMB.

This beautifully illustrated book of Gobi Desert Stones was published one year after the 2011 opening of the 70,000 square foot stone museum in the center of Alashan, Inner Mongolia. Its publication coincided with the 7th Alashan Tourist Cultural Festival.

The stones illustrated in this volume are mainly from the central Gobi Desert and featured numerous large grape agates, large pieces of colorful chalcedony and jasper, fractured concretions, and some petrified objects including wood. These are hard stones with high silica content. A few pieces of carved Gobi Desert stones are included in this work. The great variations in shapes, sizes, color and texture are truly amazing.

This is a quality, hard-bound book with excellent photographs. Each stone illustrated is accompanied by a brief information about its size, stone type, name and owner. These stones were exhibited in the museum.

This stone museum has now been superseded with a new, larger, and more luxurious stone museum that opened in September 2015. This is indicative of the importance of viewing stones to the municipality of Alashan and its economy.

Yang Jingbe 2007

The Art World in Natural Dali Marble

Rating: Excellent, a great way to learn about the extraordinary diversity of Dali marble decorative pieces

Yunnan Science Technology Publishing Company, Kunming. 120 pp. ISBN: 978-7-5416-217-3. 168 RMB when published.

This is an extensive photo album of 426 selected pieces of sliced Dali marble picture stones. They are presented in three major categories: 1) characters, flowers, and birds, 2) landscape scenes, and 3) people. The vast majority of the stones fall into the landscape scene category. These show the vast and amazing array of scenes and color combinations found in these thinly sliced pieces of marble. It is no wonder that they are often referred to as “picture stones” or “dream stones.” The photograph in this volume is excellent and with each marble photograph the name and dimensions of the piece are provided. Text is minimal and is limited to just six pages. Words are often inadequate to describe the scenes and ways to interpret each panel. Some are complex, intricate, and colorful while others are simple black and white mountain scenes.

Yang Junbin Ed. 2012

Blue Mountain Spirit, Natural Marble Stone Painting

Selected Collection

Rating: Very Good, a useful book to gain knowledge about the range of stones available today

Dali City Natural Stone Marble Association. Dali, 110 pp. No ISBN number.

This is a photo album of outstanding Dali picture stones each with the name of the stone, its owner, and the dimensions of each stone. It also includes the owner’s telephone number, presumably for benefit of potential buyers of the stones. This appears to be an annual publication and marketing products for these stones. It is a handsome soft-bound publication with excellent quality photographs. It is a useful tool for people interested in building a collection of these stones as one can see the size range of sliced stones being produced.

Yang Shuxiong Ed. 2009

China Chaohou Wax Stone Collection

Rating: Excellent, the most extensive photographic album of the stones available

South China University of Technology Press, Shenzhen. 348 pp. ISBN 978-7-5623-3223-7. 388 RMB.

This thick hefty tome is another high quality photographic album featuring a wide range of Yellow Wax stones. If you looking for a single book and don’t read Chinese, this may be the one for you. There is no background information or chapters on the history and categories of these stones, just hundreds of images of stones. It is organized into five major chapters. Each photograph is excellent, revealing all the details of the stone and its base. Each stone featured is accompanied by its name, dimensions, and a short paragraph. If you are seeking more background and more detailed information about these stones, you should refer to Wax Stones of South China by Wu Peide et al. 2000.

Yang Xingli 2009

Talking With Stones

Rating: Highly recommended for people interested in desert stones

Xinjiang Art and Photograph Press, Urumchi. 383 pp. ISBN 978-7-80744-980-5. 399 RMB hardbound, 120 RMB softcover.

Yang Xingli is a serious collector of Xinjiang stones from northwestern China, and has prepared and published a lavish book about these stones. Yang feels deeply that stones can bring various forms of happiness to people who take time to enjoy and appreciate them. This is basically a photo album featuring over 700 stones that have been arranged according to different categories. The categories are: person, animal, scenery, and item. The latter category include stones that remind viewers of objects such as ships, sails, boots, hats, wine bottle, bowls and basins, and stones that resemble semi-precious gemstones such as Hotan Jade. The stones illustrated in this book are variously shaped cobbles and pebbles, agates, fossils, jade, ventifacts, and others found in this dry desert region of China. Two or three stones are illustrated on each page along with the measurements of each stone. The photographs are sharp and the layout is very attractive.

This book is an excellent source for viewing the great variety of stones found in this region of China. Don’t expect to learn about the geological or mineralogy of these stones or about the history of stone appreciation in this region; it is not here. But, this is a beautifully produced book and weighty at over two kilograms. An added advantage is that Yang, the author, provides the text in both Chinese and English.

You Ruilin 2009

China Liuzhou Long River Stones

Rating: Very Good, one of the best references for Long River Stones

China Culture Publishing Company. 291 pages. ISBN: 978-988-21931-3-O/Y. 688 RMB when published.

The longest river in China runs for over 3900 miles (6,300 km) from the Tibetian Plateau through extensive mountainous areas and across central China until it flows into the Pacific Ocean near Shanghai. It is known widely in western countries by its penjin name, Yangtze; however, in China it is known as the Long River. This river is fast-flowing and drops quickly in the upper reaches. As a result, millions of river cobbles are deposited along the banks and in rocky bars. They are variable and make a wide range of attractive viewing stones. The popularity of Long River stones has risen sharply over the last three decades.

This volume contains illustrations of over 800 different stones. It is divided into four major categories—image stones, letter stones, form stones, and other types. The image stone category is further subdivided into landscapes, figures, and animals. The foreword and postscript are in English and Chinese. Most of the stones are rounded, ovoid to ellipsoid in shape or nearly so. No mountain-shaped stones in this volume! Instead, there is an amazing array of color and pattern stones.

China Liuzhou Long River Stones is a high quality hardbound volume in a slip case. It is an important reference for stone connoisseurs specializing in Long River stones and for those interested in pattern stones.

Youde Zhao Ed. 1992

The Variety of Marvellous Stones of Liuzhou

Rating: Recommended for its historical value in the development of modern stone appreciation

Shenzhen Haitian Publishing & Printing Company. Shenzhen. 61 pp. No ISBN.

This is an important book in that it documents an early exhibition of stones in Liuzhou, China, one of the first cities where modern stone appreciation began. The variety of stones collected and exhibited was limited at this time and before many of the popular names such as Dahua, Sanjiang, Moore, etc. were used. Instead, stones were grouped under headings such as horizontal veined cobble, protruding veined cobble, common graphite, pictographic graphite and others. The term graphite that is used in the volume is the same as the modern Ink Mountain stones of today. The limited text is in both Chinese and English; thus giving English reading audiences a glimpse of the state of stone appreciation in the early 1990s in China.

Yu Ying 2016

Play Stone Guidebook

Rating: Very Good, a fresh way of looking at traditional and contemporary stone displays in China

China Book Bureau (Zhong Hua Book Bureau). Beijing. ISBN: 978-7-101-11966-4. 232 pages. 78 RMB when published.

This attractive book deviates from traditional approaches to viewing stone practices and instead makes an appeal to the growing population of young and middle-aged professionals. It makes a case for enjoying stones in a different approach, one more suited for contemporary life styles. Play Stone Guidebook is divided into four major categories: forms, fun, appreciation, and conservation. Much of the section on appreciation is devoted to contemporary displays of stones. This approach likely reflects the changing dynamics in China where the number of people engaged in traditional stone appreciation practices are declining while a smaller audience of younger professionals interested in viewing stones is emerging.

Zhang Jiedong Ed. 2011

Julong Bi, The Jewel of the Sea-west

Rating: Excellent, the best reference for Jiulong Bi stone

Zhangzhou Literature and Art Committee and Zhangzhou Rock Culture Committee. 352 pp. No ISBN number. No price given.

This is the most comprehensive book published on Jiulong Bi or Nine-Dragon River stones. These beautiful hard stones are found in the Jiulong River in Fujian province. Jiulong Bi stones have been collected and admired in China since the Tang and Song dynasties. The short introductory material is published in Chinese and English and contains useful factual information. The remainder of the book is devoted to full page photographs of the wide range of forms of these stones. They are naturally shiny due to the presence of silcate materials that have been polished in the river bed.

The excellent photographs are divided into three major categories—figures, landscapes and patterns. Three hundred and forty plates of stones—all single stones per page except for one plates with multiple small stones displayed in a stand.

Zhang Yong & Huang Xin Eds. 2008

Malachite in China

Rating: excellent, a valuable reference for collectors of malachite

People’s Publishing Corporation, Beijing. 207 pp. ISBN 978-7-80208-479-7. 298 RMB

This is an essential reference for people who collect malachite or have a substantial interest in this mineral for its natural beauty alone. The editors have wisely included ten pages of historical and introductory material about malachite in both English and Chinese. Thus, this book will appeal to a much wider audience. There are 186 full pages of beautiful color illustrations of different types of natural malachite pieces. Many of the pages contain only a single stone allowing user to see the intriguing detail present in many of the specimens. The illustrations are divided into four major categories based upon surface texture. They are: skin or shell-like (botryoidal), stalactite-like, villous or velvety, and others which include combinations with azurite and malachite. The specimens in this volume came from various mines and open pits through out China. Each stone illustrated is identified with a name, dimensions, its origin, and the name of the owner.

Malachite in China is a quality hard bound book with a large 28 x 21 cm size. The signatures are sewn and bound into a volume that will last. The photographs and their reproduction in this book are excellent and every detail of the minerals and their bases is visible.

Zhang Wei Ed. 2010

Chinese Stone Appreciation Masters

Rating: highly recommended for serious collectors

Zhongguo Shangshi Mingjia. Guangxi Art Publisher. Liuzhou. 6 vols. 720 pp. total. 1080 RMB.

The publishers have raised the bar on new books published about Chinese stone appreciation. This six-volume cased set features some of the finest private collections owned by individuals. Each volume contains 120 pages and focuses on a different individual or family and beautifully illustrates the finest stones in their holdings. The color photographs are excellent; this is some of the best stone photography we have seen. The photographer Zhang Wei also serves as chief editor of this work. The majority of the stones illustrated originated from southern China and Guangxi Province, in particular. Each of the individual volumes comes with its own case.

This new book was first released during the 2010 Liuzhou International Fantastic Stone Festival. It is a first class publication that should be in the library of every serious collector of modern Chinese stones.

Zhang Wei Ed. 2012

Chinese Stone Appreciation Masters Vol 2

Rating: Excellent, a must for serious collectors of modern Chinese stones

Hongguo Shangxi Mingjia. Guangxi Art Publishers, Liuzhou. 6 parts. 720 pp. ISBN: 978-7-5494-0581-7. 1080 RMB when published.

This boxed set of six books features great stones from six outstanding collectors in different regions of China ranging from the Gobi Desert to southwestern China to Taiwan. It follows the same format as the first volume of six books published in 2010 by the editor and skilled photographer, Zhang Wei. Each of the six cased books is 120 pages in length and contains some of the finest photographs of excellent stones you will see anywhere.

Three of the books feature collections primarily of Gobi Desert stones while another book contains many stones from Taiwan. The apparent goal of this series is to feature the finest stones in the collections of the most experienced and knowledgeable stone collectors in China. Great care was taken in setting up the display of each stone before it was photographed. As a result, each photograph should be carefully studied to gain a better understanding of modern Chinese appreciation. Regrettably, few copies of this excellent book will reach Western stone collectors. As a result, more Western opinions of Chinese stones will be based upon the common and more abundant mediocre stones seen in the marketplaces. This is unfortunate, because the great stones and their accompanying high quality bases are rarely seen by foreign visitors, except in volumes such as this one.

Zhang Wei 2012

Practice in Stone Appreciation: Selected Works of Stone Appreciation from Zhang Wei

Rating: Excellent, the best work on the orientation and display of stones

Guangxi Fine Arts Publishing House. Nanning. 2 vols. Each volume 318 pp. ISBN: 978-7-5494-0617-3. 218 RMB when published.

The primary focus of this book is the various aspects of displaying viewing stones. In Imperial China, wealthy home owners had a building or room that was used to greet visitors and display art. This is virtually impossible in modern Chinese apartments. As a result, people have used cabinets and shelves for displaying stones. Some have studied Japanese display techniques, while others have been experimenting with modern approaches to stone display. The display techniques used in this book has, in part, been influenced by modern Japanese suiseki concepts.

Volume one contains extensive background information relating to display concepts, while much of the second volume is devoted to illustrating various ways an individual stones can be oriented or displayed. Often, a single stone is illustrated on different types of bases. This is illustrated with numerous color photographs. Zheng devotes an entire page to a single stone and illustrates the different ways it can oriented and displayed. He has given careful consideration to a wide variety of display concepts. As a result, this volume is the most comprehensive one in Chinese for Chinese stones.

Zhang Wei 2012

Stone Collection of Zhang Wei

Rating: Recommended, especially for those interested in private collections

Guangxi Arts Publishing Company. Nan Ning. 2 volumes. ISBN: 978-7-5494-0599-2/G. 760 RMB when published.

This very attractive two-volume publication in a slipcase features the private stone collection of Zhang Wei. Zhang has an impressive collection of stones that are divided into two major categories. “Stones from rivers” is featured in volume one, while volume two presents stones from the Gobi Desert. More and more owners of large, private collections of outstanding stones are now publishing books of their holdings, and this is a fine example of that genre.

The quality of the stones is excellent. They are beautifully displayed on stands, various types of trays, wood slabs, or, in some instances, without any bases. Some stones have traditional bases and stands, while others are displayed in very modern style treatments. Zhang is very creative in his selection of bases and methods of display. Books like this are valuable because they show how major collectors are displaying their stones at this time.

Zhao Y Ed. 1996

The Essence of The Second China Appreciation Stone Exhibition

Rating: Excellent, one of the most important publications of the 1990s for Chinese stone appreciation

Lingnan Art Publishing Company. 188 pp. ISBN: 7-5362-1501-0. 150 RMB for softbound and 200 RMB for hardbound when published.

This important book documents the wide range of stones that were collected and displayed in this early exhibition in Liuzhou, a city that was perhaps the leading center in China for the development of modern stone appreciation and the location of the largest stone market in China in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Six selected papers were included in the latter part of the book. These provide readers with important guidelines and criteria for appreciating viewing stones. An unusual feature of this publication is that the entire book is in Chinese and English.

The book devotes 148 pages to illustration of the stones exhibited. Each page has between one and five stones featured, and provides information about each stone, its size, and owner. The photographs are excellent. It is interesting to note that many stones carried the name “cobble” because they were harvested from different rivers. Years later, some of these stones became known as pottery and Dahua stones. Many stones included in this catalog were labeled as “black limestone” only to be renamed “Ink Mountain stones” a few years later.

Zheng Jinzhi Ed. 2004

Selections of Lingbi in China

Rating: highly recommended, a must for Lingbi collectors

Anhui Art Publishing House. Heifi, China. 264 pp. ISBN 7-5398-1309-1. 300 RMB when published.

This volume was produced in association with the The First Lingbi Cultural Festival of China held from November 8-18, 2004. It is an impressive work with nine pages of introductory text that covers the history of Lingbi to the present. A classification system based first on size and then subdivided on other features is included. Stones are divided into four groups: garden stones, lobby stones, desk stones, and playable stones.

High quality photographs of 365 excellent stones comprise the bulk of this beautifully produced book. The large format, 21 X 28.5 cm, with only one stone or occasionally two stones illustrated per page allows readers to examine every detail of each stone. The color photograph is excellent. The photographs are organized into four sections: pure offering (as in gongshi), landscape, figure, and Zen meaning. Studying this book is a great way to learn what Lingbi stones look like, their characteristics, and how they are displayed, often in elaborate bases.

Zhong Gu 2007

Feixian Stones (Fei Xian Shi)

Rating: Very good: books like this help us to better understand the broad modern Chinese concept of Taihu stones

189 pp. Geological Publishing Company, Beijing. ISBN: 978-7-116-05441-7. 268 RMB when published.

This volume was produced in association with the The First Feixian stone is a broad category that includes several types of stones found in Fei County in Shandong province. Many of these larger stones—northern Taihu and bamboo--are used as garden rocks, while smaller ones—turtle, petrified wood, ink jade, and ginger—are used as interior viewing stones. The focus of this book is Taihu-like stones that are found in this county. These are light colored, water-eroded limestone pieces in varying irregular or abstract shapes. They resemble the weathered stones from Lake Taihu and some of the lighter colored Lingbi stones and even the large Ying stones that are dug from the earth. Most of the underlying stone in southeastern, southern, and southwestern China is ancient marine limestone. Thus, the similarities to these other types is not surprising.

This is an attractive book generously illustrated with high quality photographs that show the range in size, shape, and color of these stones. We believe that the original color when removed from the ground is darker but with oxidation the surface color becomes lighter and whitish. We also believe that many of these stones may be sold in the marketplace (one word) under the generic name Taihu stones.

Zhu Guohong 2010

Famous Stone Collections in Liuzhou. Ba Gui Collection

Luizhou Color Printing Co., 226 pp. No ISBN number. No price given.

The City of Liuzhou in Guangxi Province is known as the stone capital of China and this volume introduces their first major museum, the Bagui Stone Museum (Bagui Qishi Guan), devoted to the display of Chinese viewing stones. The museum consists of two major buildings adjacent to each other. One was constructed in 1994, followed by the second in 1999. The Bagui Qishi Guan served as the principal stone museum in Luizhou until 2010 when it was replaced by a new museum approximately four times larger than the original facility.

This book documents pictorially the Bagi Stone Museum, thus, it is an important reference to the early history of stone appreciation in Liuzhou. The first 36 pages present scenes of different aspects of the museum, while the bulk of the book presents over 185 of their finest stones, one per page. Each stone is beautifully photographed and reproduced. The range of stones held in high esteem during the period from the early 1990s through 2010 is well documented. The final portion of the book is devoted to a 12-page time line of important developments in the history and development of the Bagui Qishi Guan.

Zhu Jiayui and Ge Chunnan 2012

The Late Work of Monk Daixu with 100 Peculiar Paintings

Rating: Excellent: An important reference for stone paintings from the Republic of China period in Chinese history

Culture and Art Publishing Company, Beijing. Xx pages. ISBN number 978-7-5039-3369-7/I.898. Price when published: 48 RMB.

This modern volume reproduces the original book written by Chu Deli and published in 1933 and adds additional articles about Daixu. It is a book about the writings, poems, and paintings of a Buddhist monk, Daxiu (1869-1932), who entered a monastery at age 13 and rose to become the abbot of the Hanshan Temple in Suzhou in Jiangsu province, China. Among his accomplishments, Daxiu completed a masterpiece “Hundred Stone Garden” between 1928 and 1930. The original book included paintings of 100 stones, and was likely the most important illustrated book of stones produced during the Republic of China period (1915-1945). Daxiu’s paintings were described as extremely colorful. His illustrated book of stones has been overlooked by Western writers of Chinese stone appreciation. Fortunately, this modern volume assembles 10 articles about Daxiu, 20 poems, and reproduces his stone paintings. This period in Chinese history was thought to be a quiet time with few important contributions, however, this work provides an opportunity for scholars of Chinese stone paintings to study this transitional period between dynastic and modern China.

The paintings are reproduced in black and white in this book. Many of the illustrated stones are obviously garden stones or even larger stone formations with trees growing near their peaks. Other stones are featured without evidence of their size or location. No stones are shown in basins or carved wood bases. Daxiu’s paintings bear a resemblance to some of the colored stone paintings of the late Qing dynasty Zhou Tang (courtesy name Zhaobo), however, a serious comparison would require access to Daxiu’s colored paintings.

Zhu Xu circa 2012

Resonate Stone Treasure Mountain Retreat or Quingbao Shanzhuang

Rating: A fine example of an excellent presentational volume for customers

Privately published. 119 pp. No ISBN number or price given.

We are featuring this book to illustrate that privately published books can be sources of useful information and also to illustrate how some of the higher quality stone dealers build a reputation of being well informed sources of high quality materials. Zhu owns and operates an attractive stone and antique shop in Guangzhou in Jiangsu Province. He specializes in stones appreciated during the Imperial period. In this volume, he has illustrated many of the finer stones in his collection. There is an excellent photograph of a stone on one page and the related information on the facing page. This allows readers to study the fine detail of each stone.

The book was produced for his regular customers and potential new clients rather than a book for sale. A presentation copy is an effective way of helping to educate customers while building customer loyalty. Zhu sells fine quality stone, furniture, and paintings in his shop. The shop is a pleasure to visit and we found it enjoyable to talk with him about stones appreciation. He generously shares his knowledge of stones.

Zou Yu and Si Qintu Eds. 2000

Zhou Hongxing’s Painting Collection of Natural Marble

Rating: Excellent, an important reference book that does not require a knowledge of Chinese to understand

Writer’s Publishing House, Beijing. 227 pp. ISBN: 7-5063-1901-2/J. 360 RMB when published.

This is an important work on the beautiful sliced marble produced in Dali in Yunnan province. It represents one man’s effort over 20 years to document the finest examples that are used as decorative pieces, works of natural art, and incorporated into some furniture. The text throughout this richly illustrated book is in Chinese and English. It is the best reference to this type of stone that we are aware of.

The book is organized into three main sections (volumes as named in the book): Scenery of Mountains and Water, The World of People, and The World of Animals. Each of these section is further divided into subcategories. One can learn and understand why the Chinese place such high value on Dali marble by studying the photographs and reading the accompanying captions. The beautiful pieces come in a vast array of patterns, no two are alike. If you have any interest in Dali sliced marble pieces, the best in China, then this book is the best reference

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