Page 26 - BSAM 2015 Q3

This thematic display depicts the story of the Korean Turtle Ship that saved the Korean Nation from the Japanese Fleet in 1598. The Turtle Ship was the first ironclad warship in the world. It was designed and built by Admiral Yi, who used this ship to defeat several larger Japanese fleets in the late 16th century. The final battle occurred in a strait just off the coast of Jindo Island.
Steve notes that Jindo Island, as can be seen in the pattern in the stone, is the place of his childhood home.
Collector/Exhibitor: American Viewing Stone Resource Center
Stone collected/named by Steve Yong, 8” high, 10” wide.
Korean Turtle Ship; 5” high, 6.5” wide. Modern bronze model of the first armored warship in the world.
the east (not hordes of invaders from the north or west, as was often the case through Chinese history.) Japan was not aggressive at that time either. Korea was also known as the ‘Land of morning freshness,’ for its countless mountain valleys filled with early day waterfall mist and ground fog.
Jack: I am very surprised to learn that the story of Mi Fu figures so highly in Korean stone appreciation and its practice. Why is this so?
Chung: Even though he was often referred to as madman MI, he was a public servant, lauded painter and writer and lover of stones. He was also a major player in the art of calligraphy. His appreciation of stones was so deep that he once addressed a particular monolith as “Elder brother.” He penned a catalogue of ink stone types (extant) and a still-practiced classification system for viewing stones. Koreans have respect for Mi Fu and follow his stone rules of tu - holes, joon - wrinkles, su - elegance, graceful, refined, and soo- the quality of appearing slim, shapely. Hence, he was an inspiration to the early Korean collectors of stones.
Jack: The Koreans acknowledge a few governing rules. What are they?
Eden: One, natural—no alteration/fabrication/ forgery; Two, carry in the hands, 30-50 cm; Three,
one stone per suban; Four, they do not cut or alter their stones in any way. The order of the day is, “love stones as they are or leave them where they lie.” When a Korean finds a stone, the first thing he should do is to drop it back to the ground to confirm its structural integrity.
Jack: Is there a distinct Korean style or method of practice?
Chung: Yes, but it is not over the top, meaning not ac- ceptable, as some might suggest. Unwilling to alter the essence of his stone, a Korean celebrates its character with personalized presentation, often carving a base that augments the stone’s form, such as fitting a legs- and-head base to a turtle shell stone. “Distracting,” a Japanese might say, “Unorthodox,” a Chinese might say, “Unconcerned,” the Korean might reply, “The stone is nature’s already perfect work, but the vision and joy are mine.”
Jack: What advice do you have for beginners in gain- ing an insight into the myriad of points of view and personal philosophies?
Chung: Let me quote the famous Korean Poet/stone collector Yoon Sun Do (1587-1671):
I have five close friends,
Water, Stone, the Pine Tree and Bamboo, and a rising moon in the east.
Do I need more than this?
Why on Earth do flowers bloom, only to fade away?
Why does green grass turn brown?
I’ve mulled these changes over and over,
But all that I see clearly, is what is not changing. Stone!
And also poet/collector Cho Myun Ho, who sprayed water on his stones to bring out their full character:
When I look at you, my ‘Crystal Mountain’ I feel I’ve entered Heaven’s precincts
In other words, Korean style appreciation is more about spontaneous interaction and embrace of spirit, less about following rules.
24 | BCI | July/August/September 2015