Buying Viewing Stones on the Internet


A discussion of the pros and cons of buying viewing stones on the Internet

By Thomas S. Elias

The ability to purchase viewing stones has changed dramatically in the last two decades. In the past, stones could be obtained from an established dealer who imported them mainly from China or Japan or from a few collectors/dealers specializing in North American rocks. These merchants brought stones to significant events and offered them in sales areas associated with major exhibitions or bonsai conventions. Rapid advancements in methods of sales and auctions on the Internet have made substantial changes to stone sales methods. The COVID-19 pandemic quickly propelled the shift from in-person shopping to online purchases. The ability to purchase a diverse array of viewing stones online has made buying stones easier and more efficient, but this convenience comes with a cost and caution. In this article, I will share some of my personal experiences buying stones in person and online, as well as the experiences of several of our VSANA viewers.

Searching for stones online



One of the first challenges for a would-be buyer is determining a fair price for a particular stone. Presently, the cost of a viewing stone is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay. There are no established systems to track and report prices paid for higher-grade viewing stones. Enthusiastic, eager new collectors in the early stages of assembling a viewing stone collection are likely to pay more for a nice stone than is needed. Determining a stone's value is difficult unless you have a good knowledge of the different types of rocks and considerable experience purchasing stones. I recommend buying stones solely for their value to you, not as an investment to resell later for a profit.


When you purchase a stone online, you trust that the seller will send it and it will arrive undamaged. I learned from experience that this is not always true. After participating in two bonsai and stone exhibitions in Indonesia, I knew many fine viewing stones were found in some of this country’s rivers. After that, I began receiving Internet messages offering me attractive stones, first at a high price, but eventually agreeing on a lower price, including shipping, for a particular black landscape stone without a base. I wired the money to the vendor and waited for the shipment. The vendor sent me an electronic message asking for more money. As we exchanged messages, he offered one excuse after another for not shipping the stone I paid for. After a few months, I realized I would never receive the stone. I had purchased a photograph of a stone. I was scammed! Later, I saw the same photo of the stone offered by another vendor using a different name. I learned from some of my stone friends that they had similar experiences. Since that event, I have never purchased a stone from an online Indonesian dealer. 


Be aware that many of the stones being sold as suiseki, scholars stones, and viewing stones on the Internet today are enhanced or wholly manufactured. Most of these stones are labelled as “natural.” While the original stone was natural, it has been altered by cutting, removing portions of the stone to improve its form, or treated mechanically or chemically to enhance its surface texture, color, or patina. Some of these stones are truly attractive and make nice decorative items. Altering stones to improve their appearance is an ancient tradition that began in China. Enhancing stones has become entrenched in Japanese suiseki practices for over 100 years. It should not be surprising to find viewing stones collected in western countries that have been oiled, waxed, or bottom cut to improve their appearance. This should not always be viewed as a negative. I have several bottom-cut Japanese and US stones in my collection that I display and enjoy. Furthermore, I have three older Japanese viewing stones manufactured from native stone. This includes two Yojuro stones believed to be made in the 1930s and a hut stone carved by the Sakai family about 100 years ago and owned by several prominent collectors. You will not likely see these collectors' items for sale on the Internet. 

If the stone you are considering buying comes with a carved wood base (daiza in Japanese) there are a few important considerations. A quality carved hardwood base crafted to hold, orient, and help convey a message for a stone can add value. Likewise, a poorly designed and carved base made from soft wood can be a distraction from a stone’s message, and lower the value of a stone. Look first at how well the base complements the stone and evokes feelings. 


If information about the base is not provided, ask about the species of wood used, has it been stained or painted to mask the true color and grain of the wood?  Has the base been signed by the craftsperson who made it? Is the stone well seated in the base and held firmly in place? Answers to these questions are difficult or impossible to determine from a photograph.  


Significant differences can exist between Chinese, Korean, and Japanese style bases. This is important in determining how well the base combines with a stone to create a meaningful display. It is important to know the differences between each country’s traditions.  


It is best to make online stone purchases with established dealers who have a track record of satisfactory transactions. Reputable dealers often have websites and are willing to respond to inquiries about the stones they sell. I have purchased viewing stones from Japanese, European, and USA dealers. Don’t hesitate to ask for additional photographs showing the stone's sides, back, and bottom. Also, ask the seller if they have any provenance information about the stone. Accurate documentation, not attributions, can add substantial value to a stone. Finally, ask if the stone has been worked in any way. Has any part of the stone been removed by cutting or grinding? Has it been polished? Has the stone been oiled or waxed? Has it been acid-treated?  


If the seller doesn't provide this information, the following is a list of questions you should consider asking before purchasing a stone online. 

  1. Is the stone you purchase the same as in the photograph, or is the photograph just representative of what you will receive?  
  2. Who pays the shipping costs? Is insurance included?
  3. Is there a return policy if you are unsatisfied with the stone and want to return it? What is the time frame for returns?
  4. What happens if the stone is damaged or broken in shipment? Will the seller refund your money? You should know the policy before purchasing. Stones not packed well can shift positions inside a box and are more likely to be damaged in transit. Nicer, higher-priced stones should be carefully packed and double-boxed for shipment.  
  5. If possible, try to obtain tracking information for the shipment. This way, you can follow the stone's progress in transit.
  6. Is payment due before the stone is shipped, or can you pay 50% up front, and the remaining after you receive the stone? You may wish to use an escrow account for expensive stones worth thousands of dollars.


Many viewing stones are offered for sale on established selling sites such as eBay and Etsy. These companies want to have as many favorable transactions as possible, and work to weed out dishonest sellers. Sellers on both eBay and Etsy typically provide detailed information about their stones, return policies, ratings, and other helpful information. Due to the decline in the number of collectors in China and Japan, more entry-level and intermediate-level viewing stones are becoming available on these sites. 

Nice introductory-level to intermediate-level Japanese suiseki 


I prefer payment by PayPal because it is less expensive than direct wire transfers, and PayPal affords some protection, as they may issue refunds if the purchased items don’t arrive. Reputable dealers usually have websites and are willing to respond to inquiries about the viewing stones they sell. 


Rather than buying viewing stones online, I prefer interacting with just one or two stone merchants in a country and developing a relationship with them. If they know my preferences, they will search for suitable stones for me among their contacts. Also, I enjoy developing personal relationships with other serious private collectors. Sitting and discussing aspects of lithic aesthetics and occasionally buying a stone directly from another collector are my preferred ways of purchasing stones. My better viewing stones have been acquired by working with known dealers and private collectors. 


Purchasing viewing stones online can be a satisfactory way of adding introductory and intermediate-level rocks to your collection. But, proceed cautiously when you engage with a seller who is unknown to you, especially if a great-looking stone is offered at a seemingly low price. Be an informed buyer.