Appreciation of and Culture

Author: Meng Xiangzhen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: Since ancient times, ornamental stones have been praised as "three-dimensional paintings and silent poems." The saying "A garden without stones is not beautiful, and a study without stones is not elegant" further reflects people's love and longing for ornamental stones. With China's vast territory and complex geological environment, we are blessed with abundant resources of ornamental stones. Using ornamental stones to adorn living spaces can beautify life, cultivate one's temperament, and provide aesthetic enjoyment within a cultural atmosphere. This book is compiled by the author based on long-term work experience and teaching. It systematically introduces the basic knowledge of ornamental stones and nearly 100 types of them. The book proposes a relatively scientific and practical classification scheme for ornamental stones and, for the first time, includes modern bioherms—coral—as a category of ornamental stones. In light of the current confusion in appreciation and naming, naming rules are proposed. It provides detailed introductions to the basic characteristics, appreciation, and historical and cultural aspects of common and important ornamental stones, as well as in-depth discussions on the historical and cultural backgrounds of some ancient famous stones. This book can be used as a teaching resource for relevant majors in higher education institutions, is suitable for a broad audience of ornamental stone enthusiasts, and can also serve as a reference for ornamental stone researchers.