Hi Robert.

You write,
Is it considered " proper " or acceptable to use several similar
stones to create a small (earth)scape on a dai(za)?

It is not traditional, but it is not wrong. Serious collectors occasionally
mount two or more suiseki or scholars rocks on a fitted wooden base. I
think Kemin Hu's father promoted similar mounting for appreciation of
Chinese stones in her first stone book. Tradition should lead to
creativity and not stifle it. Breaks with tradition, however, should not
debase tradition and should be serious efforts that engage the viewer. They
might not be accepted as traditional practice, but that should be no problem
if they serve your purpose well.

Billy and Craig suggested keeping it taut and simple. A tray of sand can be
less artificial and more natural in feeling than a poorly crafted daiza. A
good suiseki daiza lets the stone speak, is finely crafted of cabinet-grade
wood and fits the stone's contour with harmonous balance and fit.

A summer display in usually enhanced by suiban placement and watering the
stone. Sean Smith returned from the Nippon Suiseki Association's annual
exhibition (& he has some great news to share) where ~ 50 stones in suiban
in an outside exhibit were continually attended by two adults watering them.
There were a similar number of stones displayed inside. I hope Sean will
report!

I've cross-posted to the Viewing Stone List (VSL), Robert. It is a very
quiet forum but news of Sean might generate answers to your question, as
well. If you like, you can join the list instructions:
http://www.bonsai-nbf.org/stonelinks/index.htm. Otherwise, I'll try to
pass the answers on.

Best wishes,
Chris... C. Cochrane, , Richmond VA USA

----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert O'Brien"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2003 9:42 PM
Subject: [IBC] Display question


Hi folks...I have a question about using stones on a dai in display to
accompany a bonsai. The stones are all the same in
material..collected from the same area. thanks a bunch ...BobO

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