Stonener's Seki Kazari

Hope Mr. Stonener does not mind me posting his winning display. The judges had some different opinions as to how the display should have been set up, but still excellent job.

I keep waiting in hopes that we might see some enlarged photos and more details about what the judges had to say and from stoner himself. Looks like an excellent opportunity to learn from and would hate to see an opportunity missed.

Thanks Mr. Kakejiku for opening the door!
It was an experiance that changed my life!
You are a "GATE KEEPER" extraordinarius...

Hey Dick! My friend;
Check out latest aisekikai news letter for more winner details.
When I first posted ToKo Kazari info. I said I would not be able to post other's displays.
I have been told that pictures are open to the public, so possible.
However detailed reasons of the judging are private information?
Names have been witheld to protect the innocent(me). see pics 1 thru 10











No flash pictures allowed, museum lighting, best I can do, 5, 4 & 8 were winners in that order...
stonener
*no miss!, bull's eye!*

LOVELY!! Nice job. & thanks for posting photos!!
Hope you enjoyed yourself & learned some new things!

From what was said in the newsletter and from what I've been told of the order of selection, it would seem that
the companion piece's positioning had strong importance in it's traditional role.
MORE infor is NOT enough!

Congratulations, what a neat honor.My eye was also drawn to #8

I'm new to the whole display aspect but, 4 & 8 were my favorite. Wish I could've seen it in person. I'm sure the photos don't give the display true justice!!

I'm not sure WHY I was attracted to 4 & 8; considering they were top selections this gives me confidence in creating my 1st display. At least I've got good taste eh, Stonener?
Again, great job Stonener!! I hope to get some suggestions from you when I post my table top display!

That's for the replies, guys!...
and the oppertunity to say what I really think.


Maliea! I am clearly an expert on nothing!
as you can see, mine display was not one you chose.
there is a lot of feelings implied
I am a novice at best, also learning...

Hey Dick!
My friend your right!, wait! What?
I put my whole heart into this display,
so many many meanings for no words...
One thing I know for sure!
Is that in that boat, on that lake by that waterfall,
feeding the koi, under the shade of that yamadori pine! "Dragon"
is were you'd find my soul...
So is a separate three point display nescience?
Or! just an personal judges opinion, was it not there?
Fall, tree & boat as one thought? no? really!
IMHO The feelings are bigger, deep shade, calmy floating, wet coolness,
rushing sound, melting snow, circling beautiful fish, warm blue sky & white clouds reflexted on the water.
Heavenly sents, sounds and sites if you will, the happily ever after...
but then there is also the balance in life, shown by the determination and repeated struggle,
of the pine tree, to exsit, to grow, to thrive and flourish, thru perseverance with inner beauty.
"Longevity" was my display title.
stonener
*can you dig it!*

obviously your heart and soul was portrayed well.

My show expertise falls in Koi. Knowing why a judge picked one over another has been a life long pursuit. fortunately there are 3 basic organizations/affiliations here in the states and each looks at things a little differently. But I feel confident that I know which way things will go when a certain organization is the head judge.
The last coupla years I've been invited to judge a few shows so now i know what it's like to be on "the other side".

So my questioning is geared toward learning what the judges were thinking. maybe I need another life time.

I do recall as a student/apprentice with koi, nothing was explained other than the teacher would point to a 6 inch baby and say Grand Champion. You had to remember the baby as it was and follow it over the year to see what they saw. No explaination was ever offered. So why I think this would be any different....maybe knowing another life time was impossible, made me beyond hopeful for a learning shortcut.

Again Stoner, Congratulations, quite the accomplishment!

I recounted the photos- I thought #5 was actually #4. The fluid trunk, moving right. The wood circle (is there a special name for it?) is perfectly proportioned to the spread of the tree. I wouldn't lie just to please you, promise! The photos weren't numbered; SO WE BOTH HAVE GOOD TASTE!
These experiences though & rubbing elbows w/ such talented ppl- memories made & lessons learned!
Jealous, still!!

Thanks again guy's
I like the chattering...

Dick
I was told by the main judge, that they were super critical, nit-picky.
in order to upgrade competiton and allowing for improvements.
I knew before hand who would be the judge and her background,
so followed traditional Japanese rules to the letter! top to bottom
Starting with the jiita, which means lake top, not river!.
Flat, shinny surface to refect the sky, the tree, the clouds, the boat etc.
The scroll placement in revised photo is lower and closer into the tree,
shows the tree in the water fall "migaling" this throws everything off.
Was not the rule I learned, tip of tree must only enter lower section of scroll coth,
not the art work, or scene. So if that's done one must move the boat or drown?
losing many of the feelings intended. reflections, shade, coolness, near by spray and sound of fall,
looking up at the fall, and through the tree toward the heavens, farther away! better? why?
it is after all a personel opinion, "what you see is not what I see" it takes all kinds to fill the freeway...

Maliea!
you humble me sweetheart, "it is the beginner that see's clearer"
because their head is not filled with "rules and regulations"
I was once there...
stonener
*just for the fun if it*

Thanks Stoner, what you shared is helpful to begin to grasp. thank-you!

Display 9 theme and design explanation...

Display Design Outline:
行の真席飾り
Gyou no Shin Seki Kazari
Display Title:
聖誕祭・贖罪・復活
Birth・Atonement・Resurrection
Season or Theme:
イエス・キリストの大切な人生の後にも先にもこと。
Religious Panorama of major life events of Jesus Christ

Perhaps viewing this display one could feel there are many technical points that are incorrect. Some part may be true if not looking at the entire symbolism in the display. For me, display is not to mimic what I have seen others do, but it is to feel and express my background and experiences in a veiled technique. For me this is the spirit of “Asobi no Kokoro”. The most glaring point that one may not be accustomed is the fact that this particular display does not depict a season or a singular point in time. It provides a panorama of the major events of the life of Jesus Christ with each display element. In conjunction, this runs counter to the Japanese traditions of Shintoism and Buddhism which heavily influence the art of display, and at times are actual elements used in the display.
The first element of the display represents the birth of Jesus Christ and is the scroll. On it is written a Bible passage from Mathew chapter two in verse two in Semi-Cursive Japanese calligraphy. It reads, “Behold, we have seen His star in the East.” This scroll is framed in the informal style called Maru Hyougu, in a blue silk. The purpose of the color was specific and allows the viewer to imagine looking up into the night sky. This element in the display, based on size, compared to the size of the bonsai would be viewed by many as distracting or incorrect. The element proportions were however, chosen deliberately to embed a double layer of symbolism into the display. It will be discussed at the end of the explanation.
The primary element is the bonsai. It is an olive in a Moyougi like styling. If viewing, one can almost see the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane performing the atonement. I have read that Gethsemane means Olive Press, hence the selection of the olive. This trunk provides a visual cue of Jesus kneeling in prayer at the trunk of the tree. This bonsai is owned by a Southern California bonsai artist, and he and another bonsai artist styled and prepared the tree to be show ready, and to whom I express my gratitude at their graciousness. Mentioned previously, the tree is supposed to be the focal point of the display, and in the final synopsis this will be delineated as to why it is the focal point even though the bonsai is small.
The accent is an empty tomb carved from sandstone, representing the resurrection. I also had figurines of Mary and Jesus commissioned, and which ones I will use in the final display I am yet unsure. I prefer the tomb, it is less direct and more in line with providing obtuse imagery. The figurines will perhaps be more direct in providing a visual story.
To conclude, harmonizing the meaning of such a large scroll, with a small bonsai will now be expounded. It is true that I could have hand made a new scroll that was narrower, with smaller writing, and it would not have competed so strongly with the tree, but I have always really liked this particular writing of Yoshimi’s. The brush strokes are not as thick as she normally writes, and is more feminine in nature. Additionally, as Christians in America, we tend to focus so much on Christmas and the birth of Jesus, that we forget the true mission was the gift of the Atonement, providing a path for repentance. It is the central event necessary to live in Heaven with God. Far too often though, the gift of repentance is secluded as an afterthought, when compared to the general celebration of Christ’s birth. For that reason, I hung this particular size scroll with this particular tree, hoping that all may recognize the importance of the item that should be central in the display.
後ろ側に日本語の説明書を書いています。
 
この席飾りを見る人達は正しくないところが多くあると思うかもしれません。
全体の象徴する意味を理解していないなら、一つずつ批評すると確かに立法を従わないところがあります。私に とって、床や席飾りは日本文化を招くのではなく、自分の経験や背景を伝えたいと考えています。雅道の規則は 「遊びの心」で飾りましょうと教えています。自分自身を表現すれば、「遊びの心」を果たしています。この飾 りの一番分かりづらいところは、一時や季節の代表を表現していません。盆栽と掛け軸と添えは一つずつイエス ・キリストの大切な人生イベントを描写しています。これは日本の仏教や神道の文化と違います。時々仏教や神 道のテーマは床飾りに出っています。日本人にとって、分かりにくいかもしれません。
飾りの掛け軸はイエス・キリスト様の出産を象徴しています。書道は新約聖書の福音によりマタイ書の2書2節 。龍玉さんが行書で「私達は東の方でその星を見た」と書きました。掛け軸は丸表具の草位で注文しました。青 い装地（つまり絹）は夜空を見ているの気持ちを象徴することです。掛け軸と盆栽の大きさに比べれば、この点 は正しくないると感じる人は大勢いるとおもいますが、後で説明します。
主木の盆栽は模様義のオーリブです。これはイエス様の贖い、または贖罪のことを象徴しています。木の幹を見 れば、おそらくイエス様がゲッセマネでひざまずいて、祈っていることを想像できるでしょうか。ゲッセマネは ヘブライ語でオーリブ圧縮機の意味です。この盆栽は南部カリフォルニア州のアル・ネルソン氏の物ですので、 お借りできたことを真に感謝しています。盆栽は小品やきふですので、少し小さいですが、これも後ほど説明し ます。
添えは砂岩の墓です。イエス様が亡くなった三日後、復活したことを象徴しています。「イエス様とマリアの銅 製焼き物を買って、もっていたが使うかどうか、分かりません。墓だけを使用するかどうか分かりませんが、ア メリカ人はマリアを見ないとまったくイエスについての飾りことを考えられないのだと思います。 」
これから、盆栽と掛け軸の大きさを説明します。確かに、飾りの「前に新しい掛け軸を作成することができまし た。小さい字を書いたり、細くて、浅い色の装地を使用し、掛け物を仕立てたが、この書道の心優しさ好きでし た。」特に、アメリカ人でキリストを信じる人達はクリスマスの季節とイエス様の誕生日に注目しますので、キ リストの贖いを忘れる可能があります。贖罪によって、自分の罪の赦しを受けます。そして、罪の赦しを受けた ら、再び神様と一緒に住めるチャンスがあります。その偉大な点を忘れてしまうとお誕生日しか祝わないことに なりかねません。主木は一番大切なものです。「この掛け軸をご覧になる際に、心で感じてもらえたらと願って います。」
ジョナサン・メイプルズより
On the opposite side of this paper it is written in English.

Hello,
Thank you for diving in to this.
I am not sure if i am looking to the right picture. (no.9)
The display will work for some viewers, anyway some thoughts on your explanation.
It sounds much wanted, directive, is the evocative vanished,
is the viewer honored enough or is he brutalized this way?
Does it support less harmonious compositions, where is WABI SABI?
What does it tell about the person who made the display?
Sunip

Where is wabi-sabi?'

looking at it's definition... In today's Japan, the meaning of wabi-sabi is often condensed to "wisdom in natural simplicity." In art books, it is typically defined as "flawed beauty."

I don't want to take anything away from what jonathon might explain, but to me the carved sandstone tomb easily fulfills that element.

I struggle with the short wide display table. I would have felt more comfortable had the bonsai been lifted up higher, elevating it's importance with it's relavant size.

I feel the artists tackled a difficult subject, explaining a christian faith in a buddist form. I was quite delighted to
consider the concept.

sunip wrote:Hello,
Thank you for diving in to this.
I am not sure if i am looking to the right picture. (no.9)
The display will work for some viewers, anyway some thoughts on your explanation.
It sounds much wanted, directive, is the evocative vanished,
is the viewer honored enough or is he brutalized this way?
Does it support less harmonious compositions, where is WABI SABI?
What does it tell about the person who made the display?
Sunip

その意見を聞くと寂しい気持ちしか感じない。だから寂が確かにあります。

Oh...and besides the point used Mary Magdalene instead of tomb, and purchased from Giangus on the website...He does excellent work btw...

Pictures can be seen here:
http://bonsaial.wordpress.com/
click on the kazari tab at the top and scroll down to the Fourth Kazari for the most recent offering.

thanks al, that was helpful

forgot to mention, how much I liked your avaitar.

"IT TAKES A VILLAGE"
IMHO In My Humble Opinion

I want to Thank All those who helped me with my display,
with key suggests, unselfish knowledge and or meaningful contributions!
these are the "Gate Keepers" that I am so grateful for...
stonener
*checks in the mail*

Sensei's

Jim Greaves AVSRC, AMERICAN VIEWING STONE RESOURCE CENTER
www.americanviewindstones.org

Jonathan Maples CUSTON JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY
www.customjapanesecalligraphy.com or
www.wallscroll.blogspot.com

Gary Ishi CHIKUGO-EN BONSAI NURSERY
EMAIL garyisnichikugen-enbonsainursery@gmail.com

Alex Nunez A2Z MART HOME
www.atzmart.net

Al Nelson NELSON WOOD WORKS
EMAIL papasan@cox.net

Nina Ragle AISEKIKAI NEWSLETTER EDITOR
www.aisekikai.com

Bob Hilvers THE CLARK CENTER for JAPANESE ART & CULTURE
www.ccjac.org

John Naka
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/john_naka

and last but not lease my wife! Anita
for unselfishly allowing me a 28 year journey
to this point!

There's no doubt in my mind that it takes a villiage. good for you stoner, acknowledging those that have extented a hand up.

stonener wrote:
Is, that in that boat, on that lake by that waterfall,
feeding the koi, under the shade of that yamadori pine! "Dragon"
is were you'd find my soul...


The feelings are bigger
deep shade
calmy floating
wet coolness
rushing sound
melting snow
circling beautiful fish, warm blue sky & white clouds reflexted on the water.
Heavenly sents, sounds and sites if you will

"Longevity" was my display title.

Beautifully said my Friend, its poetic!

... and your display is just that.

Love and light

Dre! I feel the love!
and see the light in your kind words!
which fill my heart!
and put a smile on my face!...
stonener
*DOMO ARIGATO GOZAIMASHITA!*