Modern Suiseki

About Monyo-seki

Monyo-seki is one of categories of Suiseki.

Monyo means a pattern so, Monyo-seki is stone having some patterns on the surface.

Typically, an auspicious crane and tortoise are popular patterns but a Chinese character and popular animation characters are also seen recently.

Chrysanthemum stone(菊花石, Kikka-seki) and Plum blossom stone(梅花石, Baika-seki) are also kinds of Monyo-seki, however, they are beyond Suiseki and well known to everybody.

Chrysanthemum stone is Chrysanthemum stone and Plum blossom stone is Plum blossom stone. They are usually not called Monyo-seki.

Except for Chrysanthemum stone and Plum blossom stone, Monyo-seki is a minority in Suiseki. However, Monyo-seki is understandable by public from its appearances, therefore it is good for beginner -- even people have no interest is Suiseki.

Quote from 緋山酔恭の山水石美術館：

Crane

This is Monyo-seki having Crane pattern on the surface. Of course, it is not processed by hand but natural.