Gongshi

Not to be confused with the policy from the Tang dynasty, Gong Shi.

Gongshi (Scholar's rock) in Wenmiao temple, Shanghai

Gongshi (Chinese: 供石), also known as scholar's rocks or viewing stones, are naturally occurring or shaped rocks which are traditionally appreciated by Chinese scholars.[1] The term is related to the Korean suseok (수석) and the Japanese suiseki (水石).

Scholars' rocks can be any color, and contrasting colors are not uncommon. The size of the stone can also be quite varied: scholars' rocks can weigh hundreds of pounds or less than one pound.[2] The term also identifies stones which are placed in traditional Chinese gardens.

  1. ^ Metropolitan Museum of Art, "The World of Scholars' Rocks Gardens, Studios, and Paintings"; retrieved 2012-12-20.
  2. ^ Harvard Shanghai Center, "Scholar Stone"; retrieved 2012-12-20.