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Bonseki – Wikipedia
The Art of Bonseki by Herb Bastuscheck
Schools
Hosokawa-ryū
Artists of this school use stones and sand principally, emphasizing the contrast between black and white. They supplement their landscapes with simple articles made of metal or white ivory. This school is particularly noted for the way in which gorge scenery and waves washing the shores are suggested. To contact, call +81 3-3492-1069, email <info@bonseki.gr.jp>, or visit their webpage. Youtube videos.
Enzan-ryū
One feature of this school is the use not only of coarse white sand but also of colored sand and small amber-colored stones called menōseki, of about the size of the tip of the thumb. Many of the accessories used are also colored. Another characteristic feature of this school is the way pine trees are portrayed in sand with the use of kuda-saji, or tube spoon.
Fusako Yomuan Ohtomo, Enzan-ryu bonseki master, 1-13-8 Mukogaoka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113; 03-811-0472.
Kyoto Bonseki Yachiyo-kai
An active group in the Enzan style. This group utilizes and celebrates principle stones without need of artificial processing or alterations to their base. To learn more, visit Instagram @bonseki_kyoto and the Joudoshu Daiouji Temple page (offers instruction). Youtube video: Bonseki demonstration and string duo performance.
Ikaruga-ryū
This school is similar to the Hosokawa-ryū school in most points, but it makes use of colored sand as Enzan-ryū does.
Washu Toyama-ryū
The school originating in Nara has established the technique of tosuna (sand stopping – a method to preserve the sand art in place), which was developed through extensive research since the Meiji era (1868-1912), as a hanging frame work, and today large wall works such as folding screens are also treated as bonseki. Offers instruction. YouTube video: 石と白砂で作る芸術”盆石”の世界 ─ 山本清含 “Bonseki – The art made with stone and white sand.”
Sekishu-ryu
Founded by Sadamasa Katagiri (Sekishu-sama). Sekishu-sama was the tea-ceremony instructor for the 4th Tokugawa Shogun Iestuna and contributed highly to the spread of bonseki, tea-ceremony, and ikenobo of the Sekishu School.
Kiyohara-ryu
Established in Emporer Tenmu’s era (~673-686 CE). Not only are mountains, rivers, and moon depicted, but also people, birds, castles, and houses. No colored sands are used in this style.