Chrysanthemum Stone, Red Flower, Neo, Kobayashi Sōkan inscribed box, Viewing Stone, Suiseki, Bonseki, Rosewood stand, Cultural Property Grade

This is a well-preserved river-worn chrysanthemum stone (found stone) with visible core and beautiful red flowers.

It comes with a box from Mr. Kobayashi Sōkan, the director of the First Nihon Aiseki-kan (Japan Stone Appreciation Hall) and a prominent cultural figure of the Showa era.

(The memorial record Ishi no Kokoro (The Heart of Stone) shown as a reference image is not included in the product. Cultural figures such as Seishi Yamaguchi, Tōkurō Katō, and Shiko Munakata contributed memorial texts.)

Dimensions are 11.5cm x 9cm x 6cm, and the weight is 751g (including the rosewood base).

On the inside of the box lid, it reads:

茶味石心 (Chami Sekishin - roughly Tea-flavored Stone Heart)
宗閑 (Sōkan) 花押 (Kao - seal/signature) 【宗閑】 (Sōkan)

There appear to be three styles of calligraphy: that of his wife, his own, and the box maker's. His wife's calligraphy is elegant, and the box maker's is a practiced style. This calligraphy, with its softer style, is likely his wife's, though it lacks a slight sense of freedom. It is subtle whether Sōkan himself may have improved with practice. The Kao is identical to other Kao from Mr. Sōkan.

This is a unique, cultural heritage-grade masterpiece, but I am listing it for sale to pass it on to someone else as I am organizing my collection. Please understand that the box has signs of age-related deterioration.

The actual color may differ slightly from the product due to photography (amateur smartphone photography).

Please forgive any minor errors due to amateur measurements.

?? Please examine the images and make your purchase decision based on your own judgment.

?? Please note that recycled materials will be used for packaging.

?? If old stones or bases have been remade, there may be some age-related wear such as scratches or scuffs.

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