dick benbow

Mary,
Do you think there ever would be a time that a display that incorporated wood and sand as this one does, could be used or is it too far fetched?

M.B.

Probably not because it's not traditional. You are fighting an uphill battle trying to get something that far off from the traditional way the stone would normally be displayed. There may be a few that would accept it as a new concept but the majority of people interested in suiseki are trained/taught in the traditional Japanese way. Since the Japanese seem to be the accepted experts, they would never combine the two. They prefer understated rather than bold. I once displayed a bright white stone that looks like an iceburg in a suiban with black sand. I thought regular sand looked terrrible with the stone and thought the black looked more like the ocean. Long story short pretty much every comment I overheard thought there was too much contrast between the two.
I was taught that the sand in a suiban represents water thus why island or coastal (water) stones are usually displayed in them. You would never have water sitting in a daiza under your stone. There fore you would never put sand in your daiza holding up the stone. It's not tradition and doesn't make sense. That's also why suibans or dobans are made of materials other than wood. To me your stone does not look like a water stone at all so should not be displayed in "water".
Mary B.

dick benbow

first i want to thank you for the very understandable reply. I liked the way you explained the reasoning instead of what I had grown accustomed to. very helpful

M.B.

You're welcome! I don't mind sharing the knowledge I've gleened from the older Japanese members of the 3 clubs I belong to. There are a couple fellas in their late 70's early 80's that have been doing bonsai and suiseki most of their lives and struggle to gently teach somebody like me that wants to do things "the American way" bigger, bolder, flashier.
One year I displayed a beautiful intricate painted egg in a small pot that had a basket weave pattern as an accent in my show display. I knew it was not traditional but it was Easter weekend so I thought what the heck. One of these gentleman smiled and said "Sensei won't like it. Don't be surprised if he pulls it from display". I watched our Sensei make the rounds before the doors opened to the public and for his reaction. He did have a troubled look at first but then said "I get it, it's O.K.". He would probably pulled it or at least tried to make me see the error of my ways were it not Easter. Like I said earlier, understated is best. Funny thing is all the comments made by the general non-bonsai public liked it.
Mary B.

dick benbow

Thought I'd share some of my collected stones that had daiza's made for them The first one is obviously a taki (waterfall) ishi...the second one I refer to as a snowcave Yuki (don't know japanese term for cave) ishi.

both of these were discovered in british Columbia during a yamadori scouting trip.

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M.B.

I like the waterfall stone. I have yet to find a good one but keep looking. Just curious who made the daiza for it. To be honest it looks too large for the stone, though really beautiful wood. Doesn't seem to fit the stone well since I see gaps between the daiza and the edge of the stone. Could just be the picture though.
Both stones look like they need patina. They look like a good hard stone but need added aging. How do you do that? Well I've heard various ways. Quick and easy, rub a little mineral oil. Not too much, just to get a soft semi sheen.
The much longer but more traditional Japanese way, rub with a pair of nylon stockings (I think they used silk but can't remember). The goal is to handle and and rub the stone alot. Everyday getting the natural oils from your hands into the stone. With small stones I try to rub them on my nose since I tend to have a greasy nose Weird, I know but it's surprising what a nice patina it adds without being overly shiney. This method takes years to do properly.
Mary B.

dick benbow

Always appreciate your input,Mary...Thnk-you!

here is my favorite stone. I have a beautiful daiza made for it but prefer it in a suiban.

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M.B.

Nice stone! Did you collect it or buy it? I like your display. Where did you find the nice little scroll? I've bought a couple scrolls on Ebay but they're pretty large. I'd love to learn how to make my own but never came across someone doing a workshop or lessons.
M.B.

dick benbow

All of my stones are collected. The scroll I had commissioned by a friend of mine who is a local sumi-e artist. the designs in the scrolls were mine. she was able to find the scroll and then incorporate a thin stretch cord on the four corners so the four seasons can be changed out. Pics include fall,winter,spring,summer.Scrollis 7 inches wide by 25 long. Image area is 3 inches wide and 14 inches long. I had her make me a bigger one for my tokonoma. I use this smaller version for an alcove in my library. I'm pleased you noticed...

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an'ya

Hi Mary, the nose and hand oil over the years does work well, and as far as I know, is still acceptable unless the rules have changed. I notice however that on suiseki.com and a few other places, they still say baby oil, etc. is acceptable but at most forums this is an absolute no-no. What are your current thoughts on this? Thanks, an'ya