Humanity is fascinated by rock formation, particularly naturally sculpted, interesting and thought provoking shapes. From the toddlers picking up pretty pebbles to collectors who have huge monoliths shipped from far countries for positioning in gardens, we all have marveled at these wonders of nature. I, myself, have been guilty of carrying home rocks and boulders in my suitcases from my travels. My garden and home have many rock reminders of these memories. I know that there are many others who also pick up stones because of their colors, shapes, textures as well as associated memories we place on these little natural wonders.

The earliest known record of serious collecting of uniquely formed rocks dates back to China’s Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD) where ancient paintings show gifts of stones being presented to various emperors.

Along with the large garden stones, small hand sized stones are shown among other art objects in the rooms of scholar’s studios. This appreciation was adapted by the Japanese who, with the influence of Buddhism imposed ideals of aesthetics in keeping with the understated, naturalism we continue to associate with “Things Japanese”.

In displaying these stones, paintings show small stones resting on a table (as a brush rest, ink stone or as an art object) by themselves or in a pot of sand (China) or tray of sand (Japan) , to support the stone in a desired position or to enhance the effect of tranquility and solidity. Early stands, specifically for a single stone, were merely some notches carved in a small table top to hold the stone in place. The small table evolved into elaborate stands, especially in China, where many stands are carved to represent clouds, water, roots, and wind as well as to hold the stone. In Japan, the stands are characteristically understated, with the stone being held yet the stones presence being enhanced and magnified by this understatement. As this ancient art form develops new devotees through out the world, traditional styles of stands are giving way to new ideas based on different ideals of aesthetics.