• Murata, Kenji. Ed. 1969. Nippon Suiseki Meikan (Excellent Dictionary of Japanese Suiseki). Juseki-sha, Tokyo. 136 pages. No ISBN. slipcover is damaged but book is in very good condition, no damaged.

This book was published when suiseki was near the peak of its popularity in Japan. One hundred excellent stones were selected and featured in this volume. Some photographs are in color, while others are published in black and white. One of the famous chrysanthemum flower stones, Moon Light Mum , is included in this book. A few years later, the owner, Isazaki Tanekichi, gifted this stone to the USA as part of the donation of bonsai and suiseki in celebration of the Bicentennial in 1976. This stone was displayed in the White House with President Gerald Ford and the Japanese Emperor.

In addition to the photographs of the stones, Murata wrote a chapter about the history of suiseki and stone appreciation, conditions of excellent stones, the limitations of working stones, Bunjin paintings and suiseki appreciation approaches, and warnings about displays.

Rating: Excellent; a valuable reference to learn about Suiseki.