Overall Design
When creating a beautiful display area, use great care and consideration.
one object clearly the main subject of display
placing main object on higher stand creates emphasis
main object is complimented by shape and theme of accompanying pieces
accompanying pieces should be lower in height
number of objects kept to minimum, usually three
Colors:
The colors of stands, containers, and objects should complement the main object.
dark purple suiseki often displayed with greens, reds, yellows, blacks, gray-browns, or neutrals
add interest by using objects with dissimilar colors
Texture, shape, size, and height:
vary objects' texture, shape, size, and height
example: use smooth suiseki with delicate art object
vary the slant of the objects, distance between, and shape stands
Space relationships:
generous space between objects and edge of tokonoma or display
adequate space between objects
adequate space between bottom of scroll and top of objects
main object traditionally off-center, 1/3 from edge of display area
traditionally, main object slightly behind imaginary horizontal line running through middle of space
with two-object displays, one is set back from other
with three object displays, arrange in asymmetrical triangle
highest point of each object forms triangle with main object highest point
top of scroll and edge of stand or display area can form triangle elements
Combining display objects:
A major consideration in combining art objects is the degree of intended formality. Three levels of traditional japanese formality are: formal (shin), semiformal (gyo), and informal (so).
Formal (shin) display:
verticality, straight lines, decorum, symmetry
best suited: distant mountain stone (classic suiseki)
stands, containers and other objects also conform to style
neutral colors for stands, containers and other objects
Semi-formal (gyo) display:
horizontality, asymmetry, soft lines, curves
best suited: plateau stones, slope stones
objects with slanted /curved lines and smooth contours
rounded or oval containers and stands
Informal (so) display:
horizontality, asymmetry, irregular, casualness, delicate, soft
best suited: are waterpool, thatched-hut, pattern, and slope, distant mountain
objects placed next to dwarf grasses: sweet rush, pampas, bamboo
humorous or playful stones
objects elaborate and colorful or simple
containers and stands elaborate and colorful or simple
Seasonal displays:
Japanese traditionally take seasons into account when designing a display area.
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