What is BONSEKI?

Bonseki is a type of art form in which
Japanese landscape is created with small white
stones ( The size of the stones varies from
fine ground sand to size of potatoes) on a black lacquered tray.
One can imagine how it looks by thinking of
paiting landscape with white painting on a black canvas.

Not only the paint(white stone) and canvas
(black lacquered tray) are unique, but also
the tools used are very specail.
Spoon made of ivory, fallen feathers of
water fowl are used instead of paint brushes.

History of BONSEKI

There is not much documents left to specify
the starting period for this art form.
However, it is said that Bonseki had started to
flourish around AC 670. It was enjoyed amongst
ladies who served for the emperor,
together with Tea(ceremony) and Flower arrangement(art form).