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A Chinese root wood scholar's rock

£200.00

Rootwood, 20th century, 40cm x 29.5cm

Rocks of unusual shape are a prized accessory of a desk of an intellectual. The practice of bringing these 'miniature landscapes' indoors for scholarly contemplation and mental escapism comes from the times of the Song Dynasty and spread all across East Asia. In China they are known as gongshi, in Japan suiteki, in Korea: suseok. They can be made from other materials than rock and so is this one.

Rootwood, 20th century, 40cm x 29.5cm

Rocks of unusual shape are a prized accessory of a desk of an intellectual. The practice of bringing these 'miniature landscapes' indoors for scholarly contemplation and mental escapism comes from the times of the Song Dynasty and spread all across East Asia. In China they are known as gongshi, in Japan suiteki, in Korea: suseok. They can be made from other materials than rock and so is this one.

A good example should tick the boxes of:

~ Unique shape: some people prefer fantastically shaped perforated forms resembling smoke or a skeleton 

~ Resemblance: if it resembles a famous mountain all the better!

~ Texture: something to rest your eyes and hands on, take a break from your spreadsheets and get tactile!

~ Colour: no need to explain 

~ Sound: a stone or metal one should have a nice ringing tone when gently struck