Stories in stone

Maj Gen C S Bewli

Stones in different shapes, sizes, textures and colours have always held a mysterious appeal for people. For thousands of years, the forces of nature churn and forge these stones in the form of naturally weathered miniatures in the form of mountains, waterfalls, lakes and even birds, animals or everyday objects. Known as Nature’s ultimate artwork these are often collected and used as decor or utility items to decorate homes and other living spaces. If you are mesmerised by the rugged and natural beauty of stones, then enter the world of Suiseki — the  Japanese art of understanding and admiring Nature through stones that are thematic in perspective and render an aesthetic appeal. 

Suiseki is a combination of two words — meaning water and stone. Here the shape, texture and aesthetic appeal of stones are of paramount consideration. These are not big stones and can be handled by a single person. 

These are collected from mountainous streams, rivers and river beds, ocean beaches; and are cleaned to be finally mounted on a wooden base to be displayed as prized possessions in a living room or at any other suitable place. 

The only consideration for selection is that the stone needs to be kept in the same condition as it was found in nature with no modifications what so ever except for allowing to be aesthetically placed on the base. However, for commercial use some carving may be done to give a final finish to make Suiseki attractive. This enables the viewer to contemplate on the age of a particular stone, which may be thousands of years.

The art of Suiseki has become widespread these days with exclusive clubs of Suiseki being established worldwide. However, in India this concept is in its infancy as of now. 

There is a great scope for Suiseki collectors in India as the country supports a variety of landscapes where the terrain and climate range from the mountainous and glacial geography of North to tropical coasts and islands in the South, and from shimmering, hot desert in the West to tropical rain forests in the North east. India also boasts of a substantial treasure of natural stones that encompass granite, marble, sandstone, slate, sandstone, quartzite and limestone. Granite and marble quarries in Rajasthan appear to be the ideal sources for Suiseki collection.

Both Suiseki and bonsai representing Nature in miniature go hand in hand. Suiseki are now building up a wider following in the bonsai fraternity as well. They are increasingly being displayed as accents to a bonsai during ceremonial shows and conventions. This fusion complements art and aesthetics and lends  the look of a miniature landscape. 

After collecting these stones, they need to be washed, cleaned and scrubbed with hard bristle brushes or even wire brushes to remove any slime; they can be acid washed and cleaned as well.

To initiate a collection, begin choosing designer stones with interesting shapes and texture from river beds and beaches, preferably during summers. 

— The writer is President of National Cactus and Succulent Society of India and President of Bonsai Culture Society.