Stone is an important natural resource. Yet aside from providing the material for architecture, roads and utensils, it is also a source of aesthetic pleasure for the Chinese. A stone may give inspiration to the scholar or allow the philosopher a momentary glimpse of the universe.

Rocks are often considered dirty, useless objects best left on the ground. Few people discern the aesthetic value of a small stone created by nature and thousands of years of time. In China however, the ancients were aware early of the beauty of rocks. One fable describes how a multi-colored rock was used to patch the sky.

Unusual stones were used in the bonsai arrangements and gardens of the ancient aristocracy. During the T'ang dynasty, enjoyment of unusual and marvelous stones spread to the commoners as well. The last emperor of the Southern T'ang dynasty kept unusual rocks on the tea tables and desk tops of his study to provide inspiration for painting. This method of rock appreciation has been passed down to the present.

Shen Fu-han, a rock connoisseur for 40 years and owner of his own rock and antique shop, has four criteria for judging the merits of a rock: shape, hardness, color and material. A stone's shape must be complete, natural and beautiful from all sides. It must not be too soft or too hard. A superior rock has a deep color, with a material finish which is fine and smooth.

Chinese stones are enjoyed and appreciated in two different ways. Smaller stones are held and rubbed with the hands. The painter Ch'en Shan, (using the pen name Single Stone) always holds a stone when he paints. It serves the double function of providing artistic inspiration, as well as soothing and clearing his mind.

The second method of appreciating a marvelous stone is visual—to place it on a stand or table for admiration. Such stones may be further classified into two types: wet and dry.

Wet stones are placed in a pan of water to form part of a miniature landscape. Softer varieties may grow moss and vegetation, while harder rocks do not. The Sung dynasty poet Su Tung-p'o was said to have been the first to create miniature landscapes with small, soft rocks on which he cultivated mosses and vegetation. To enhance the effect of an actual landscape he would add tiny figures, boats and pavilions.

Harder stones which do not grow vegetation are often grouped in a pan of water to create a rocky landscape. Water may be poured on top of the rocks to deepen their color and create an interesting pattern while evaporating.

The second type is the dry stone, which is usually mounted on a wooden stand. The shapes of some of these stones may be surprisingly similar to familiar objects, people or animals. Some may show these images in their surface patterns and grain. Most rock lovers feel that it is best if a rock's shape is not too similar to the concrete object, enabling the viewer's imagination to move back and forth between rock and concrete image.

Other rock shapes are purely abstract. The viewer is left entirely to his imagination. He may see an image of the universe, enjoy a moment of Zen enlightenment or be inspired to a philosophy. The sculptor Yang Ying-feng relates that seeing the world in a small rock can be a very moving experience.

Not all dry rocks are as small and manageable as those just described. Some are in fact quite large, and often placed on the ground to be used as screens or dividers for rooms.

While many Chinese realize that rock appreciation is an art, and may spend vast sums of money on their purchase, not everyone knows how to appreciate them properly. Certain attitudes must be maintained by those who seek the pleasures of rock appreciation.

First, it is not expense which determines a rock's worth. Before Shen Fu-han sells a rock he asks the customers if they know how to appreciate it. Then he sends them out to learn by searching for stones in a river. Shen explains that it is tragic for a rock to fall into ignorant hands.

How does one choose an appropriate rock? As no two people are the same, rock selection depends entirely on the individual. Most important is that the owner develop an affinity for the rock, care for it, rub and dust it to maintain its attractiveness.

Shen is convinced, however, that it is best for rock lovers to go out into nature and find their own stones. Hsu Hsia-k'e wrote: "Rocks are the bones of the universe, and water is its blood." Looking for one's own stones is a way of communicating with the universe.

Shen Fu-han's father collected unusual rocks, and taught their appreciation to his son. Shen learned that in looking for rocks in a riverbed, it is best to move from downriver to upriver to avoid muddying the water in one's path. The best rocks are found in river bends or dam areas.

Rock hunting gear includes long-sleeved clothing, gloves, fishing boots and a pole-like device called a tingpa, which is used to dig up rocks. The best rocks are not always immediately recognizable. If acceptable, a rock must be wrapped in protective paper. If not, it is carefully returned to its original place.

The painter Chiang Hui-hang, in commenting on the virtues of rock hunting, sees it as a form of exercise. For city dwellers, a brisk stroll upriver in fishing boots can be very invigorating.

Different rivers have characteristic rocks, and certain riverbeds are famous for their special varieties. Rocks from various rivers are often sold by families living nearby. Other strange and marvelous rocks may be found in stores in Taipei, where they are sold along with teas, antiques and paintings. Rock lovers also have their own organization, which organizes rock exhibitions in Taipei.

While rock appreciation began in China, it rapidly spread to Japan. There it became a widespread tradition, causing some to believe it is a purely Japanese art. But in recent years, the popularity of marvelous stones in Taiwan has helped maintain the tradition in China as well.

(Jill Ardourel)

[Picture Caption]

1. With coarse, unpolished surface and simple form, this rock exudes the qualities of fortitude and self-reliance. 2. Round, smooth rocks with unusual patterns such as this are often discovered only by those who have a proper affinity for them. 3. The smooth, flat surfaces on many rocks are the result of countless years of pounding waves.

1. This rock is only the size of a palm, but can nevertheless give the effect of vast converging waters. 2. A stand which compliments the nature of a stone can enhance its appreciation. 3. Tiny stones in natural shapes are held in the hand. 4. The four criteria for judging the merits of a stone include shape, hardness, color and material. This rock characterizes the finest of all four.

1.2. The animate imagery suggested by naturally formed rocks can often be surprising. 3. A tiny priest does not appear concerned about the ominous crag looming above him. 4. Rock appreciation may be combined with the art of tea. 5. The patterns in this rock suggest foaming, billowing waves.

1. Searching for stones in a riverbed. 2.3. Growing lichen on tiny landscapes requires care and patience.

2. Round, smooth rocks with unusual patterns such as this are often discovered only by those who have a proper affinity for them.

3. The smooth, flat surfaces on many rocks are the result of countless years of pounding waves.

1. This rock is only the size of a palm, but can nevertheless give the effect of vast converging waters.

2. A stand which compliments the nature of a stone can enhance its appreciation.

3. Tiny stones in natural shapes are held in the hand.

4. The four criteria for judging the merits of a stone include shape, hardness, color and material. This rock characterizes the finest of all four.

1.2. The animate imagery suggested by naturally formed rocks can often be surprising.

1.2. The animate imagery suggested by naturally formed rocks can often be surprising.

3. A tiny priest does not appear concerned about the ominous crag looming above him.

4. Rock appreciation may be combined with the art of tea.

5. The patterns in this rock suggest foaming, billowing waves.

1. Searching for stones in a riverbed.

2.3. Growing lichen on tiny landscapes requires care and patience.

2.3. Growing lichen on tiny landscapes requires care and patience.