It’s All About Stones

CC ALIFORNIAALIFORNIA A A ISEKIISEKI K K AIAI Volume 29, Issue 7 July 2011

It was good news to hear Joseph Gaytan’s announcement and invitation to our members to take part in a planning meeting on July 30th to create a study group focused on Chinese stones. This is a much needed effort since many of our members have stones from China in their collections. The interest is certainly there.

We know that stones that are appreciated for their shape most likely originated in China and eventually reached Korea and Japan. We know that many of the classic masterpiece stones prized in Japan were found in China. We recognize that there are many differences when comparing the shapes and styles of today’s most typical Japanese and Chinese stones, however our knowledge of Chinese stones has barely scratched the surface. We realize that there is a lot more to learn.

Aiseki Kai has been fortunate to have internationally recognized experts on Chinese stones as speakers at our meetings and events, sponsored by Ralph Johnson. Robert Mowry, author of Worlds Within Worlds, and Kemin Hu, author of The Spirit of Gongshi-Chinese Scholars Rocks (1998), Scholars Rocks of Ancient China-The Suyuan Stone Catalogue (2002) and Modern Chinese Scholars Rocks-A Guide to Collectors (2006) have presented programs for members on several occasions. We supported public lectures at the Huntington Library, featuring programs by both Robert Mowry and Kemin Hu.

By mid 2007, our member’s interest in Chinese stones resulted in a trip to China dedicated to searching for stones in shops and rivers. Twelve members spent 2 weeks focused, as best we could, on finding stones. We saw stone collections and we managed to search river beds and road ways and found some keepers. We were greeted by local club members on two occasions and we were lead to the very heart of the Lingbi world. We spent a lot of time in the dozens of stone markets and shops we visited and brought back some very nice stones. The range was greater than expected.

We encourage our members with an interest in Chinese stones to attend the planning meeting and help where ever possible to make the idea work. The more we learn, the more we know.

[See contact information on page 2] Larry Ragle

Stone of the Month

Tom and Hiromi Elias will present the July 27th program. It will consist of a discussion and showing of a delightful, professionally produced television program on suiseki. This was prepared by NHK Television for their series on The Secrets of Beauty. It was made in cooperation with the Nippon Suiseki Association and serves as an excellent example of how suiseki can be promoted to a broad audience.

Tom will introduce the program and Hiromi will interpret portions of it as it is being viewed. It is entertaining as well as informative. Don’t miss this one!

After a slow start, summer is in full swing. It’s a perfect time to show stones that present a cool feeling. These stones might include waterfalls, snow caps, glaciers, and pools….you decide.

Rick Stiles found this stone in the Twisp River in Washington. He said, “It has something of a doha-ishi form, with interesting twisting and flowing elements that might suggest glaciers carving out a hanging valley.” His stone will be on display along with 39 others from around the world at Stone Images II, a show being staged by the Suiseki Interest Group, a part of the Puget Sound Bonsai Association. It will be held on the corporate campus of the Weyerhaeuser Company, a half hour south of downtown Seattle. Admission is free. See ‘Coming Events’ on page 12.

7.5”W x 3.75”H x 4”D

July Program

Redwood Empire is having a mini convention August 27-28. See page 12. Sam Suk is recovering from a stroke. He seems to be doing well. Joe Gaytan announced that a new stone club is forming with a focus on Chinese stones. The first meeting of the Chinese Stone Appreciation Study Group will be held on July 30th from 2-4 in Claremont at the home of Tom Elias. Call Tom if you are interested: 909-626-6095 or email him at tselias@msn.com

Stone of the Month: abstract stones [ ED NOTE: Some months ago, Tom Elias wrote the following: “One interesting feature in Japanese culture is aimai, a term for ambiguity or a state in which there is more than one intended meaning. Aimai is important in maintaining harmony in Japanese life. I think this is reflected in Japanese stone appreciation where there are only general guidelines and no sharply defined divisions and a stone can be viewed in multiple ways depending upon the viewer.” Nothing could be more obvious than when looking at abstract stones. Most abstract stones may be chinseki, stones that are unusual and not easily understood.] Measurements are in inches, w x h x d:

The 1 inch wide inner m

argins are designed for use with a 3 hole punch.

VOLUME 29, ISSUE 7 CALIFORNIA AISEKI KAI

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June Meeting Notes by Linda Gill

Ken McLeod, 5 x 5 x 3, from the Eel River

Harry Trieu, 6 x 3.5 x 2.5, from the Kern River

Bruce McGinnis, 9.5 x 7 x 5, Eel River

Joseph Gaytan, 6 x 7.5 x 4, Chinese yellow wax, collected 55 yrs ago.

Manny Martinez, 3 x 4 x 2, nail head stone from Taiwan

Nina Ragle, 5.5 x 3.5 x 2.25, from China

continued, bottom page 8

June Program Notes by Linda Gill

Larry put together a photographic essay of the Korean American Soosuk Club Show that was held at the Arboretum in April and in 2007. It opened with a shot of the calligraphy of a poem about the Nine Bend River. He used Photodex Pro Show Gold which allowed him to fade in and out in a variety of ways and to advance for a close up, or withdraw, from any still photo. He timed his changes to Star Wars music and produced a very entertaining video. [Ed Note: 6 of the stones from the Korean American stone show appeared in the April newsletter, page 7.]

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Afterwards Nina told us about making an audio tape for Larry the first time he used this music to make a slide show about Harry Hirao in 1981. It had pauses of 2, 3 or 4 seconds between slides with Nina saying 'now', 'now', 'now' at the proper time. Larry used the tape to advance the slide changes in the show. Then Larry told us that he used to drive his neighbors crazy by playing the tape at night very loudly - NOW, NOW, NOW. But the best part of the joke was that Larry then turned dark red. Your reporter has never seen anyone blush that dark before!

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2007 2007

2011 2007

2011 2011

1. Anyone with low income is likely not currently paying taxes so, logically, there is, in fact, no deductibility – the gift is a true gift!

2. Many of us older folk, especially those who are reasonably healthy and have a paid-off mortgage, will be finding ourselves taking the standard deduction rather than itemizing. [Currently, $13,600 for a couple 65 and older; $12,500 when one member is older and one under 65; $6,800 for a single over 65.] If you take the standard deduction, there is currently no tax deductibility for gifts to charity – again, a true gift!

3. If you do itemize, other factors have to be taken into consideration: Of highest and often unrealized importance, you must remember that the actual tax savings to you of your donation is the declared value of your gift multiplied by the percentage of marginal tax you expect to pay. [For example, if you give a stone valued at $300 and you are in the 28% bracket, you would ultimately only be getting (netting, saving, making) $84.00]. 4. While there is a better than even chance that you will never be questioned about your valuation, at least be aware that if you do decide to donate for a tax deduction you may have to justify your valuation, especially if your deductible donation amount exceeds $5000, in which case an appraisal must be obtained from a qualified appraiser. This leads to two potential problems: First, at this point in time, unless you have a valid receipt of purchase there is no certain way to establish the value of an American viewing stone – there are no auction records and virtually no ‘established’ experts, dealers, or qualified appraisers. Those few individuals who sell stones are more than likely selling for cash at conventions and clubs or from the back of their SUV’s – valid-looking receipts are few and far between! Comparable ‘costs’ of stones on eBay will do little good. Auction records of Japanese or Chinese stones may reveal high valuations, but will not be readily transferable to American stones because of our lack of the contextual cultural history and provenance. Secondly, it gets even worse if you found the stone yourself: in such a case there is no recognized existing base value for the found stone (unless you want to try the dubious route of claiming collecting

Dear Anonymous and All, The timing of your question suggests that it is raised because of articles in the California Aiseki Kai newsletter, May 2011: Peter Aradi’s article, Deaccession and four more “D” words addressed approaches to extricating oneself and one’s family from one’s stone collection, including possible sale or donation for a tax deduction. Coincidentally, GuyJim of the same issue dealt with a possible solution for those in Southern California to clear the yard and shelves of secondary, ‘raw’ stones that are unlikely ever to be used by donating them to build the proposed ‘California Stream of Dreams’ project at the Huntington Library. Quickly, let us deal with the question of sales value by saying the obvious: the sales value is what someone is willing to pay and that amount will vary dramatically from individual to individual. As a personal example, through the years Alice and I more than once paid many times what might have been considered an expected ‘going’ rate to obtain a particular stone that we felt had great historical importance, exceptional aesthetic quality, or just happened to be from a site that we needed to better represent. Even now, I would willingly pay ‘too much’ for a stone or two that might have little value to others, but that I seek to complete thematic group displays that I have been working on for years. Ultimately, all you can do is determine the minimum you are willing to accept to part with your stone – you can always ask for more to leave room for negotiation. To get a feel for current pricing you could attend a large bonsai event and check with vendors – locally, at a Bonsai-a-thon at the Huntington or the upcoming GSBF Convention in Riverside. With selling as with purchasing, it may help to deal with questions of value by considering what an alternative use for the money would get you. If you have seen my cars you will know that stones come first!

Valuation for a donation is much more complex. Over the years, my observations have suggested that the concepts and benefits of tax-deductible donations are seriously misunderstood by most individuals. Below I will attempt to clarify some of the misconceptions and potential pitfalls with regards to donating stones for a tax deduction.

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Ask GuyJim Dear GuyJim, How does one determine a value for a stone that one wants to sell or to donate to a fund-raising raffle or public collection?

Anonymous Aiseki Kai Member

costs long after the fact). If you made your own daiza you can cheer up a bit – a very small bit – because after the 10 to 20 hours of making the daiza you are allowed to legally deduct only the cost of the wood!

5. Note that for donated items other than found stones it would be easier to establish a donation value because sales prices can be found for comparable items such as suibans, shoku, etc. With enough effort, the value of most relevant reference publications might also be found on the internet. On the other hand, if a formal appraisal is required the expense could quickly mount and offset any gain from the deduction.

6. Finally, don’t overlook that with smaller donations, the cost of filing the extra tax forms can easily amount to more than your ‘true’ savings from the donation itself.

VOLUME 29, ISSUE 7 CALIFORNIA AISEKI KAI

The above discussion is only as accurate as my understanding; however, it has been reviewed and blessed by my tax accountant. To be assured of correctness and how you might be affected, you should consult your own accountant. For most of us the bottom line is that we are probably best off approaching the idea of donating stones as just that, donations – donations that reflect your desire to share with the public those stones you have found and appreciated. On the positive side, if used properly by the institution receiving your gift, your vision may well be shared with yet-to-be-born visitors, your stones claiming their true value in years to come.

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The views expressed in this column are personal, perhaps irreverent, irrelevant or just plain wrong and do not reflect the consensual view of California Aiseki Kai. Send your viewing stone questions (or comments) for GuyJim to jimgreaves@roadrunner.com or 1018 Pacific Street, Unit D, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (310) 452-3680

GuyJim

The Korean American Soosuk Club Show The AVSRC provided this selection of nephrite and jadeite viewing stones from California, Oregon and Washington to the Korea American Soosuk Club Show at the L.A. Arboretum last April. Consistent with Korean preferences, the jades are all natural: neither polished nor cut.

Though summer is underway and Tokyo is in the midst of its annual rainy season, temperatures have been unusually cool and the air considerably drier than one would normally expect for June – a most welcome change. This is especially welcome when spending time outdoors with the desire to relax, walk around, and take your time looking at the things around you. Such was the case in the central courtyard of Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine, where the Nippon Suiseki Association’s Meihinten was featured yet again this year. In the aftermath of the Tohoku earthquake in March, “restraint” has been the key word unifying people throughout the country. Particularly in the month following the tragedy, as regular aftershocks continued to keep people on edge, lights were kept off or dim in the name of conserving electricity so as not to overburden the grid that had been crippled by the failure of the power plant in Fukushima, which provided a significant part of Tokyo’s electricity. Shops closed early or did not open at all, escalators were turned off in stations and people instead used the stairs, supermarkets did not light their display cases, Tokyo’s defining neon signs and giant television screens were off, and even the trains kept their cars in the dark in order to conserve. Beyond these practical measures, the spirit of conservation spilled over into society as well. People went home early from work and stayed at home in the evenings, bars and restaurants that stayed open were empty because drinking and public displays of merriment were unacceptable. If people did go out their voices were kept low. Unnecessary or excessive spending was frowned upon, and even the cherry blossom viewing parties that the people here so love were subdued. After dark, what would normally be the busiest of Tokyo’s streets were quiet, somber, and reserved. Over three months later, though people have largely returned to their habits of old, this spirit of conservation can still be sensed throughout the city, at the Meiji Shrine, and even within the Nippon Suiseki Association itself. Only half of the lights that normally illuminate the bonsai and suiseki in the courtyard of the Shrine were on, making it difficult to see details without getting up close or giving your eyes time to adjust. The main display area was fully lit, but the air conditioners kept off even on the hotter days. As many members of the Association from the Tohoku area were effected by the earthquake, no entries into the exhibition came from that part of the country, and the overall number of

VOLUME 29, ISSUE 7 CALIFORNIA AISEKI KAI

stones on display was somewhat lower than previous years. This is to be expected, however, as all organizations and events in recent months have had similar experiences. In fact, many exhibitions, concerts, and other events have been canceled altogether.

There was, of course, a strong desire to see this year’s exhibition through and to carry on as normal. The preparations for the exhibition that usually take place in March and April were impossible to complete considering the circumstances caused by the earthquake, leading the photography for the catalogue to be delayed until the day of the exhibition setup. The catalogue will therefore be two months late, but the show went on. Below is a selection of photos highlighting some of the more interesting things that were on display.

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The Fifty-first Mehinten Wil, checking in from Japan

Though some of the lights were left on, the corridor running around the perimeter of the courtyard was unusually dark this year as the whole of Tokyo and northern Japan make efforts to conserve electricity.

A fine Kifune waterfall stone in the outer exhibition area. While it would also be perfectly suited to a suiban display, particularly in the summer, the daiza is of such high quality that it is worth showing in that way as well. Such decisions ultimately come down to the sensibilities of the stone’s owner.

VOLUME 29, ISSUE 7 CALIFORNIA AISEKI KAI PAGE 7

A subtle Setagawa-ishi with the smooth, slightly dimpled nashiji hada, or “pear skin” so distinctive of stones from the Seta River.

The dynamic nature of this Senbutsu-ishi is complemented well by the moderately elaborate design of the shoku it is displayed upon.

Though its scale may be difficult to discern from the picture, this back-breaking chrysanthemum stone could only be moved with the combined strength of two people. The material is incredibly dense, and the solid, hardwood daiza alone must have weighed nearly ten pounds (4.5 kg).

This well-known Setagawa-ishi is featured in the book Suiseki II – An Art Created by Nature edited by Yoshimura Kin’ichi in 2007, and was among the famous stones on display that can almost only be seen at the Meihinten.

New backboards and dividing panels were ordered last year to improve the quality of the display area and give the show a bit of a facelift after passing the fifty year mark. (Combined with the poor lighting, unfortunately, they also produced a yellowing effect in the pictures… sorry!)

In a protective case in the special entries area was this set of miniature stones named “The Seven Sages,” referring to the group of third-century Chinese scholars frequently referred to as “The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove.” Featured in the 1988 book Densho seki, or “Legendary Stones,” this set was once owned by the Meiji period literati painter Tomioka Tessai, and more recently by Katayama Ichiu, founder of the Keido school of tokonoma display.

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An Ibigawa waterpool stone with a deep patina that has developed after years of yoseki.

A far more elaborate display than the one on the left, this jagged Senbutsu-ishi is well matched in size and color with its suiban, and complimented even further by the design details of the sturdy shoku that supports it. Side by side, these two very different displays make very different statements.

A simple, unpretentious display of a small Sajigawa-ishi, just slightly off center of a perfectly round suiban. The width of the low-profile shoku contributes to the sense of vastness that the display gives forth – a seemingly unlikely, yet highly effective combination of elements.

Stones from the Mabechigawa in the far north of Honshu, the main island of Japan, are not often seen in suiseki exhibitions due to the river’s remote location and the fact that few people have seriously collected there over the years. Beautifully displayed on a summery bamboo shoku, however, makes one think that perhaps this is an area worth exploring!

Janet Shimizu, 3 x 4 x 2 Ken McLeod, 7 x 11 x 4, from the Trinity River

Ken McLeod, 7 x 11 2.25

continued on page 11

Stone of the Month from page 2

Jean Horton, 6 x 20 x 4, petrified wood from Liuzhou, and it looks like a Giacometti sculpture.

CALIFORNIA AISEKI KAI PAGE 9 VOLUME 29, ISSUE 7

Chinese American Viewing Stone Association Richard Wang and his wife, Linda, staged a very impressive exhibit of Chinese and Chinese style viewing stones at the Chinese Community Center in El Monte on June 25-26. A number of dignitaries gave speeches, and Richard Wang presented a lecture, but all were in Chinese! Tom Elias spoke in English,

thankfully, about his many trips to China.

There was a ribbon cutting ceremony and an opportunity to select the most popular stone, see below. Hanne Povlsen and Sharon Somerfeld each won a door prize of a yellow wax stone.

Aiseki Kai members, Tom Elias, Joseph Gaytan, Jim Greaves and Ken McLeod participated in the show.

Freeman Wang: This beautiful face reminds Freeman of his wife Richard Wang, voted most favorite by those in attendance

Tom Elias, stone at left

Wei Ouyang Richard Wang

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Ken McLeod’s huge dragon stone, 16”w x 22”h x 8”d

Joseph Gaytan Richard Wang

Han Shan Li

Bing Tai Quach Richard Wang

Wei Ouyang Bing Tai Quach

Programs: Larry Ragle 949.497.5626 cfsmail@cox.net Treasury/Membership: Nina Ragle 949.497.5626 ragle@cox.net Annual Exhibit: Jim Greaves 310.452.3680 jimgreaves@roadrunner.com Exhibit Set Up: Marge Blasingame 626.579.0420 margeblasingame@att.net Refreshments: Lois Hutchinson 714.964.6973 wlhutch@verizon.net Historian: Ray Yeager 760.365.7897 ryeager890@aol.com Webmail: Bill Hutchinson 714.964.6973 hutch@aisekikai.com Newsletter: Larry and Nina Ragle 949.497.5626 ragle@cox.net

July Contributors: Linda Gill, Wil, Jim Greaves and Larry Ragle. Mailing: Flash Partch Editor: Nina Ragle

Contact People

PAGE 11 CALIFORNIA AISEKI KAI VOLUME 29, ISSUE 7

Newsletter Committee

We hope you will participate. Please send any submissions to ragle@cox.net no more than 10 days following our monthly meeting. Thank you!

California Aiseki Kai meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm at the Nakaoka Community Center located at 1670 W. 162nd St, Gardena, CA. Second floor. We do not meet in Nov-Dec.

Ann Horton, 19 x 4 x 5, from Cliff Johnson Harry Trieu 8 x 4.5 x 2.5

Hanne Povlsen, 3 x 3 x 2, from the Yuha Desert

Hanne Povlsen, 5 x 5.5 x 1.5, from the Gobi Desert, looks like filigree Buzz Barry, 4.5 x 5.5 x 2.5, from the Yuha Desert

Ken McLeod, 6.5 x 5 x 3, jasper

Stone on the Month from page 8

Ragle P.O. Box 4975 Laguna Beach CA 92652

PACIFIC NORTHWEST BONSAI CLUBS ASSOCIATION Convention XXII: “Elegance in Emerald City”, Sept 3-5, Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University St, Seattle. Michael Hagedorn, Boon Manakitivpart, Ryan Neil, Suthin Sukosolivist. Bonsai exhibits, demos, workshops, critiques, raffles, auctions and vendors. Suiseki display in the Windsor Room. More at: pnbca.com

Coming Events

Leaves no stone unturned

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

aisekikai.com

Refreshments The June table was set by Harry Hirao, Buzz Barry and the Ragles. Thank you!

July treats will be provided by Kyra Haussler, Joseph Gaytan, Bruce McGinnis and the Josephson’s.

GSBF CONVENTION XXXIV Bonsai Full Circle Oct 27-30, Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, 3400 Market St., Riverside. Kathy Shaner, Ryan Neil, Pedro Morales, Roy Nagatoshi. Demonstrations, seminars, critiques, workshops, raffle, vendors Go to: gsbf-bonsai.org

CALIFORNIA BONSAI SOCIETY 55th Anniversary Convention, April 11-15, 2012, Crown Plaza Hotel, Anaheim. We will participate in a viewing stone exhibition.

REDWOOD EMPIRE BONSAI SOCIETY 28th Annual Bonsai Show, August 27-28, Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Bldg., 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa. Sat 10-5, Sun 10-4 Demos both days 1-3:30 Kathy Shaner. 200 bonsai, sales, raffle. For more information: Bob Shimon 707-884-4128 or email shimon@mcn.org. Website: rebsbonsai.org

NANPU KAI Annual Nisei Week Bonsai Exhibit, August 20-21, JACCC, 244 S. San Pedro St, LA. 10-5 both days

Chiara Padrini talks to Aiseki Kai, March 7, 2012 Huntington Library, Ahmanson Classroom.

SUISEKI INTEREST GROUP Stone Images II, July 14-August 14, Pacific Rim Collection Weyerhaeuser Co., Federal Way, WA.10-4, closed only on Mondays. Info: Joel Schwarz, joels@u.washington.edu