Dear Readers,
What is “Đá cảnh”?
“Đá cảnh” are viewing stones, stones used to create landscapes, this landscape is a copy of natural landscapes such as mountains…; or simulates other themes such as people, roofs, bridges, objects… In addition, there are stones with unique, rare lines or shapes of unclear (Abstract shapes), attracting viewers.
Can an ordinary stone become a work of art?
After collecting from rivers, streams… they need to be cleaned and kept intact, and then make a wooden base to keep the stone standing in a suitable position or put it in a sand tray if it has content related to water. Finally, you can name the stone based on the theme you want to convey to the viewer. In my opinion, you can call it a work of art.
Who can share the joy with?
Choose a suitable location to display it. From that angle, family members as well as guests visiting your home can admire its beauty.
What is Suiseki (Simple understanding)?
“Suiseki” is a phrase used to refer to viewing stones in Japan in the early 20th century. Suiseki is a noun pronounced in Vietnamese as “Sư Sê-ki”. With the word “Sui” meaning water, “Seki” is stone. Suiseki are often displayed on a wooden base called Daiza or displayed on a porcelain or terracotta tray, watertight, with small pebbles or sand called “Suiban”, or on a copper tray called “Doban”.
When did “Đá cảnh” develop in Vietnam?
“Đá cảnh”, also known as stone viewing, began more than 1000 years ago in China and then spread to Japan for more than 400 years with famous associations that are nearly 60 years old, such as the “Nippon suiseki association”, and continued to spread to Korea and the West for nearly 100 years, especially in Europe there is the Italian association of Suiseki lovers, then to Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia… In Vietnam, “Đá cảnh” only developed strongly when the country’s economy improved from the 1990s.
The beauty will forever exist and develop, surpassing the borders of countries to spread globally, this is an inevitable trend. Despite the language barrier, this art will bring like-minded people closer together, without needing to speak, it is like seeing is understanding, this art seems complicated but is actually very simple, this natural simplicity is the principle of life that gradually helps the quality of life of stone connoisseurs (People who enjoy stone scenery) to become better and more peaceful in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Ninh Huu Hiep
(Please contact me via email hiepninh46@gmail.com)