I guess you're right, it is pretty subjective. I just figured there's probably "rules" that determine whether a stone can or can't be called a suiseki. Not just because I see something in it. There was a club meeting a while back on suiseki, I should've taken notes. I agree that with some suiseki it can be hard to see what others see in it though.That's pretty subjective question. The answer is "do YOU see it as a suiseki?"
To me, I don't really see what you're talking about other than the inclusion of lighter rock at the tip of the stone. I, however, miss many of the subtle stuff when it comes to stones. I don't see what many see in some well-known suiseki...
I realize rules aren't set in stone. Which is why I had the word in quotations. The first thing I went to school for was photography (not that my quick snapshots posted here show it). If there's anything I learned it's that while arts have their rules, breaking those rules at times is highly encouraged if it works. With no experience with suiseki I figure it best to check anyways though."Rules? In a knife fight?"
Sorry --couldn't help but quote a line from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid...A guy said that right before Paul Newman (Butch Cassidy) kicked him square in the nuts...Brutally illustrates the "if it works, it works" school of thought in bonsai and probably suiseki...Rules work, but they're not set in stone. listening to others is great, but see what YOU can see before discounting stuff.
For those of you too young to know...
A horse head huh? Interesting. I guess it's like seeing something in a cloud. You may see one thing but someone else may see something entirely different or nothing at all.At first glance of the first picture, I see a vague representation of a horse head...
Having said that there is an abstract shapes category called chusho-seki, still a viewing stone.
Grimmy
A horse head huh? Interesting. I guess it's like seeing something in a cloud. You may see one thing but someone else may see something entirely different or nothing at all.
level the bottom out and I see a lake at the foot of a mountain peak.You mean like this? That's how I first saw it but personally I find it less appealing like that.
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I can see that as an option now too. I didn't notice it like that before.level the bottom out and I see a lake at the foot of a mountain peak.