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the stone collection
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Exhibition
August 30th - September 20th 2008
Part of our collection of Chinese Gongshi/Suiseki stones was publicly exhibited from
the 30th of August until the 20th of September 2008.
Click here to view some images.
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Welcome to Art by Nature
On this website we present part of our collection of Gongshi, from China. These
stones are works of art, not made by an artist, but made
by nature. The amazing shapes and textures have been
created during millions of years. These stones have
played an important role in the history of art during the
last thousand years in China, Japan and Korea. In China
they are called Gongshi or guai shi (fantastic or strange
stone) or shang-sek (beloved or enjoyable stone). In
Japan they are called Suiseki, sui means water and seki
means stone. In Korea they are called: useok (eternal
stone). In English they are known under different names:
spirit stone, scholars' rock, viewing stone, panorama
stone or art stone.
Gongshi are relatively new to the western world, but some
art museums in the US and Europe have started building
up a collection of them. Once you have seen them, you will
be fascinated by them and you'll understand why the
Chinese people collected them. They are an intellectual
challenge and an adventure, a way to the world within,
rather than the outside. When placed on a pedestal it is
art, art by the Gods. These rocks can radiate emotions,
suggest movement, create tranquility, inspire an artist
to create a work of art or start a close and rewarding
relationship with the viewer. It can elevate your mind and
take you on a journey to the beyond.
In the essay Taihu Rocks, Bai Juyi wrote: "The famous mountains, the hundred
caves and valleys are all presented by these rocks. Sit there and you can see
at a glance a hundred hills spread over a thousand lines in a rock the size of
a fist."
We have a total of about 800 stones in stock. They can be viewed by appointment.
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