suiseki display

[dick benbow]

Our third display at the weyerhaeuser bonsai display is coming up soon. The stones are displayed behind a glass enclosure to protect from the weather and enhance security.
In my study of tokonoma display, I'm learning that either a stone or a tree is usually featured and not together as they don't share co-dominance very well.
In my research, i did discover a series of books from the Keido Katayama Ryu school
that pictured proper displays featuring suiseki. I was able to jump one hurdle in getting the text translated into english but need to be able to come up with copies of the photos. I hear the books are difficult to find, so curious if any of our readers has that book and might be able to make copies that could be attached to an email.
Also, if you've been down this road before, and have some comments you' like to offer regarding tokonoma display of suiseki, I'd love to be able to hear from you here.

 

[Smoke]

I have those books.

 

[dick benbow]

This saturday, our stones for display will be submitted to a trio of judges. If you like, I can take my camera along and take a few shots to give you a sense of having been there. I have just two, one on a daiza and one in a suiban. Hopefully I will get atleast one accepted.

 

[Smoke]

Go for it.

 

[dick benbow]

will do

 

[dick benbow]

68 stones were entered and 37 stones were selected for the show to be held in early april.
The event will be held on the grounds of the Weyerhauser bonsai display area. Owners as far away as oregon competed for a position.
The event was judged by three judges, two from the suiseki club and the curator of the bonsai display, David de Groot. Set up took 45 minutes, and judging a bit longer. All were sent out of the tent and away from earshot as the three went thru all the stones. I did sneak a shot of the three with their backs to me
Yours truely batted.500 with one selcted from two offered. The total amount of stones is down in number from the previous year to allow for a little more separation.
Was a chilly morning, tho sunny, so most hung out in the tropical bonsai greenhouse to keep warm while the judges did their thing.
One of the judges went back thru the stones to explain why those stones not selected might have been passed by. very helpful.

 

[dick benbow]

Like most hobby things japanese in america, the participants were pretty balanced between the guys and the gals.

 

[dick benbow]

Since it will be another 3 months before the snow melt in the rivers recede, any outings to discover new stones will have to be made along the ocean shore.

 

[dick benbow]

Just in case your wondering which stone of mine got accepted....my ice cave....

 

[dick benbow]

The actual show is being put together a week from today (today is good Friday) and i'll be on hand to help out.
I am so looking forward to some stones from my friend Young, that originated in vietnam.
Will be shipped next week. I have two stones from canada, but this will be my first stones
not from North america. Feel like a kid at christmas