Jiuquan Wonderstone

Author: Lin Ran, edited by Jiang He
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features:
1. All the unique stones collected in this book are from within the geographical area of Jiuquan City.
2. Given the outstanding advantages and distinctive features of Jiuping picture stones in their harmonious combination of artistry, quality, and form, the majority of the stones collected in this book are picture stones. In fact, wind-eroded stones from Jiuping's northern Gobi Desert, as well as those from Anxi, Dunhuang, Yumen, and Jinta, agates and fossils from Subei, are abundant, and the book also includes some selected wind-eroded stones, fossils, and agates that are worth appreciating. Meteorites and mineral crystals are not included in the selection.
3. The Huoshui River, originating from the main peaks of the Qilian Mountains (also known as the ancient Chishui and Hongshui Rivers), is a treasure trove of Jiuquan picture stones. Most of the picture stones in this book come from the Huoshui River Valley, while the rest are from valleys of the Shule River, Tola River, and Hei River, which also originate from the Qilian Mountains. The specific origins of each unique stone are not individually noted.
4. Among the stones collected in this book, only a few—numbers 69, 123, 211, and 214—have undergone polishing and finishing to highlight their jade-like quality or enhance their artistic appearance. The remaining stones retain their original state as they were discovered and collected, without any artificial processing.
5. The circulation of Jiuquan stones (including trade and gifting) is frequent. The "collectors" of the stones mentioned in this book are based on the names of the owners as of the end of 2004.
6. This book features 246 stones from 50 public and private collections. All the stones have been carefully selected and represent the natural artistic standards of Qilian snowwater stones and other unique stones from Jiuquan, as well as the aesthetic preferences of Jiuquan's stone collectors.