Page 39 - BSAM 2017 Q4

for the Kamuikotan stones. For example, the dark colored and rough textured Kotaro stones also make excellent landscape stones. Some low dark red Kotaro stones were displayed as water pool stones. Another interesting type from this northern most island includes the lighter color Ponpira landscape stones of sedimentary origin. Te Hokkaido Suiseki Federation has identifed 44 diferent stone types on this northern most main island. A beautiful plum fower pattern stone (Baika seki) from the Yubari River also occurs here along with the Toyoni, Kanayama and Sengen type stones. There was a small vendor area adjacent to the stone exhibition. Five vendors, all collector/hobbyists, brought many stones for sale. These were at very reasonable prices, ofen a fraction of the prices paid for stones at the Green Club in Tokyo during major exhibitions. Te atmosphere in this vendor area and the entire exhibition was causal with old friends sitting and discussing stones. Hobbyists were sharing stones, Top left; A striking vertically oriented Kotaro stone from the Nukabira, a tributary of the Saru River, displayed with a scroll and display table.Top right; Close up of the Kotaro stone with a prominent hole. This stone measures 20 x 35 x 15 cm. Bottom; This attractive Kanayama stone from the Sorachi River is owned by Mr. Kimura Akira. The stone is 26 x 10 x 15 cm.