Stone of the Month: 

March 2021 

"Sounds of the Sutra"

This natural, multi-colored Sado Island Akadama stone suggests a seated and robed Buddhist monk rhythmically chanting sutras as he leads a family at a service at a Buddhist temple through the traditional 1st, 3rd, and 7th anniversaries of the death of a loved one. Members of the family gather at their temple and kneel in meditation with the monk, and after the chanting sutras, each member of the family burns incense and offers prayers for the soul of the departed one. 

This display was inspired by Katayama Ichiu, founder of the Keido School of Display. His use of similar Sado Island stone in a tokonoma setting illustrates how a colored stone can be used effectively in a display the same way more dark-colored rocks are used in traditional arrangements. The colors in the "Sounds of Sutra" stone are subtle or muted and blend well with the sand and tray colors. The glazed earthenware tray (suiban水盤) made by Jim Barrett is 40 x 29.5 x 2.5 cm (15.7 x 11.6 x 1 inch). This stone is in the collection of Thomas S. Elias and Hiromi Nakaoji.