Yoroboshi-- Blind beggar boy from Noh drama

This Sunday after the Potomac Viewing Stone Group presentations, my stone friend Young Doan pulled me aside to discuss several stones. He is very perceptive. Then, he asked me to wait a moment as he had a gift. He unveiled a stone that I didn't recall, though it had a very nice mountain pattern. He asked, "You remember this stone? You liked it. I got it FOR YOU." While I was very touched by Young's generosity, I didn't recall the mountain pattern which seemed the obvious image for appreciation.

I unpacked the stone last evening & sat it in its fitted wood seat. Immediately, I then saw the abandoned blind youth, who had become the beggar Yoroboshi... a stone we discussed on IBC among Thientrakieu's collection of stones from the Hiep Duc River in February 2011.

A Japanese website describes Yoroboshi...

A blinded youth named Yoroboshi begs on the stairs of Shitennoh Temple. He spreads his sleeves to receive alms, but catches falling plum blossoms instead. Though he cannot see, he can smell their beauty. He realizes that if the eyes of the soul are open, one can live in spritual happiness. He dances for joy at his new found knowledge.

His father who had disowned him is present. He is moved by the boy's faith and leads him back home.

Perhaps others will recall the stone from past snippets:

Photo from Thientrakieu (Vietnam, Fb. 2011)...


comment on IBC (Fb. 2011)...
(It) might be recognized as the physically-haggard, blind boy encountered by his father in the noh drama Yoroboshi... an emotionally striking image of a spirit.

Carving of the young, blind beggar in the noh play Yoroboshi:

Well... I am now stunned! Young recognized a apt stone for my appreciation that is so subtle, yet so resounding. I LOVE it! I love that it came from Vietnam & from a friend...

Today outside my bedroom door...




Thanks, Young. Thank you, thank you, thank you...

Hello Chris.
This is a nice present.
I am surprised that your pine is that far with pushing new candles,
it must be a WP?
Sunip

Hi Sunip... The pine is probably black (developed in-ground from regular nursery stock labelled "Christmas tree"), though very experienced friends split in thinking it black or Scots based on bud-color & slight needle twist. We are having wide temperature fluctuations, & several bonsai are as flummoxed as I am this spring season.

I am behind in de-candling... :-(

On the protected (opposite & hotter) side of the house, irises (Dutch) & rhododendrons are beginning to bloom...

[quote="Chris Cochrane"]Hi Sunip... The pine is probably black (developed in-ground from regular nursery stock labelled "Christmas tree"), though very experienced friends split in thinking it black or Scots based on bud-color & slight needle twist. We are having wide temperature fluctuations, & several bonsai are as flummoxed as I am this spring season.
I am behind in de-candling... :-(
On the protected (opposite & hotter) side of the house, irises (Dutch) & rhododendrons are beginning to bloom...
Hello Chris,
Ah thats it, the needles do not look like WP i know, but here the WP is the only one that shows candles that far.
I can imagine things are flummoxed, i am in zone 8 and a lot is flowering but we had last night some frost to, so like a normal spring.
But no flowering (Dutch) irises in or garden yet,
only the early flowering rhodos (with small rounded leaves) are flowering.
I gather the flowering of that box is in your garden is already over.
Sunip

Hi Chris Cochrane.
I am very happy when one of stones in my collection belongs to you. Congratulations!

Thanks, Thientrakieu... In the most recent display of Potomac Viewing Stone Group at the (USA) National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, two Vietnamese stones from Young Doan were favorites among visitors. There is lots to appreciate!