Monkey and Elephant ...

One stone may have a title that makes it riveting for the viewer. John Naka’s “30,000 Foot Beard” suiseki at the U.S National Arboretum is shaped like a cigar (though not perfectly symmetrical) and is largely deep in color with two wispy white streaks running along part of its length. It is mounted vertically. With John’s title, you can imagine a face high on the stone with a wispy thin beard falling from it. You can also imagine a tall, thread waterfall of unimaginable (30,000 foot) height viewed from such great distance that is seems part mythic and part real. In this stone, that title is perhaps 30% or more in value of appreciating the stone. The stone with this title is rare & coveted. Because it was given to the (USA) National Bonsai & Penjing Museum by the beloved bonsai teacher John Naka, a knowledgable viewer will also feel the warmth of John in this stone, which influences its reception for many. The category of shape for which many stones might be judged is far less important on this stone, though its material solidity & wholeness are necessary to not deflect from its reception.
... excerpt from the IBC thread"What do you think about suiseki and viewing stone judging standards" (Linked HERE)