Stone of the Month: 
January 2019
"Mountain Peaks Reaching Sky"

The rugged, vertically ascending twin peaks of this Japanese Seigaku stone contrast with the stereotypical image of horizontally oriented Japanese stones that always evoke feelings of calm or peacefulness. This stone is more dynamic and with its curving lines conveys movement—possibly the suggestion of a candle flame. Many seigaku stones have numerous folds and creases, shadows and depth.


This stone was in the personal collection of Mr. Sakurai Toshio in Yaizu City for over 35 years. It is 14 cm (5.4 inches) high, 23.5 cm (9.5 inches) high, and 5 cm (2 inches) deep and is held in a hardwood base made of quince wood by Mr. Wakabayashi Isamu in Shizuoka. This stone was collected in the Ashikubo River, a tributary of the Abe River.

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