ASPAC 2009 - Taiwan

On the bonsai forum, Jose Luis Rodriguez has shared some stunning photos & descriptions encouraging bonsai enthusiasts to visit the ASPAC convention in Taiwan (late October/early November). Traveling to the convention website, there is a suiseki_gallery. I suppose these are stones, roots and even a few sculptures from throughout the Asia-Pacific rim. While we hear of Chinese, Japanese & Korean stone aesthetic with different emphasis in each, broad collecting covers great variety. Budi Sulistio has kept us in the loop on Indonesian exhibitions (thanks, Budi!). The variety of stones (& natural root wood) in this gallery encourages more exploration. I wish the stones' origins were noted.

Perhaps, someone can share more of Taiwan collecting & preferences as well as collecting throughout the region.

Chris,

The stones included in the gallery are all of Taiwanese origin. Like bonsai, suiseki is very popular in Taiwan. Nantou County, located in central Taiwan, is home of some of the best suiseki in the island. Taiwanese stones are a merger of the Japanese and chinese aesthetics. In Puli (part of Nantou County) one might see suiseki shops on the roadside.

I have several pictures of Taiwanese stones, which i'll include on another thread.

Kind regards,
Jose Luis

Hi Jose Luis... More Taiwan stone illustrations would be deeply appreciated. Often seen among vendors is the "Nail Stone," which I assume from Taiwan but might have other sources. The link above shows a wide variety in stones. Thanks for clarifying the the source as "all from Taiwan" and sharing a collecting & sales area where stone enthusiasm is particularly notable.

Chris,

If you wish to see a little more about Taiwan Suiseki go to:
http://imperial.park.org/Taiwan/Culture/Arts/craft/stone1.htm

You will find an article from Beatrice Hsu-- note there is a second page.

Kind regards,
Jose Luis

Chris,

It's almost time for the 10th ASPAC, to be held in the Chung Hwa district of Central Taiwan.

Pictorials of the event are to follow.

Xie Xie,

Jose Luis