SERVICES BY VSANA

Thomas S. Elias and Hiromi Nakaoji have been collecting and researching the ancient art of stone appreciation throughout Asia, but mainly in China and Japan for over twenty years. They have made over 50 trips to China and Japan, traveling throughout each country to meet with stone connoisseurs and attended exhibitions. They have assembled an extensive collection of stones from throughout the world. Elias and Nakaoji have built a comprehensive library of books, serial publications, and catalogs, mainly in Japanese and Chinese, relating to stone appreciation. We believe it is the most extensive specialized library of its kind in North America. They have published five books and numerous articles on viewing stones and have maintained the VSANA website since February 2012. This site is updated monthly.

Lectures

We are available to present illustrated lectures varying levels (introductory, intermediate, and advanced) on Chinese, Japanese, and western methods of stone appreciation. A lecture can focus on a specific topic or stone type or a more general survey approach. We have given lectures at major meetings, conventions, and clubs or organizations in seven countries. Contact us for availability. 


Workshops

We plan and conduct hands-on workshops at the introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels. Participants learn how to look at stones to determine its value as a viewing stone by examining the evaluation criteria, how to orient, and how to display stones. Examples of wood bases are examined along with how to utilize ceramic and metal trays for displaying certain stones. This two to three-hour workshop is designed for small groups from 4 to 12 (maximum 20). A fee is usually required.




Judging

We are available for judging serious stone exhibitions in person or online exhibitions. Establishing evaluation criteria for judging is important, and we can assist in developing those criteria. We have served as judges of major viewing stone, suiseki, and penjing exhibitions in seven countries over the last two decades. A fee may be required. 




Evaluations

We are available to conduct research on various stone appreciation topics. We have traveled extensively throughout Asia, viewing and collecting information about different aspects of stone appreciation and suiseki. We have an extensive research library, focusing mainly on publications relating to Chinese and Japanese traditions and practices. We may or may not be able to help you. Contact us regarding a specific research topic, and we can tell you if we can be of any assistance to you. An hourly fee may be required. 




Research

We are available to conduct research on various stone appreciation topics. We have traveled extensively throughout Asia, viewing and collecting information about different aspects of stone appreciation and suiseki. We have an extensive research library, focusing mainly on publications relating to Chinese and Japanese traditions and practices. We may or may not be able to help you. Contact us regarding a specific research topic, and we can tell you if we can be of any assistance to you. An hourly fee may be required. 




Publishing

We have over thirty years of publishing experience with books, informal and technical articles. We are available to help with your publishing needs from writing, editing, and photography, to layout, design, and finding a printing company. Contact us with your publishing needs, and we will see if we can help. Fees may be required depending upon requirements.



Contact us and explain your requirements. We will be happy to recommend the next step.

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