Stone of the Month: 

June 2025 

“Breaching”

This large Lingbi stone display reflects the traditional Chinese practice of displaying stones. A prominent and ornately carved hardwood base combines with the stone to convey a message to the viewers. The orientation of the rock is that of a figure stone, which can depict a breaching whale, porpoise, or other aquatic animal, rising quickly and abruptly above the water’s surface. 

There is nothing subtle or understated about this display. It is bold and dynamic, yet it is tied to nature. People living in harmony with nature is an essential aspect of Buddhism. A Japanese businessman purchased this stone in a Buddhist temple in China. He held it in his collection for several years until it was acquired in 2003 by Thomas S. Elias and Hiromi Nakaoji.

This stone is 65 cm long, 22 cm high, and 11 cm deep. The wood base measures 44 cm in length, 24 cm in height, and 18.5 cm in depth, weighing 7.53 kilograms.