Portfolio > Spirit Stones

Referred to in the west as “scholar’s rocks” or “spirit stones”, gongshi have been collected by Chinese connoisseurs since the Tang dynasty (618-907). Appreciation of these ancient stones in the west began to develop during the last decades of the 20th century.

Feather rock is far too soft to endure for the centuries typical of gongshi. But the volcanic origins of this stone often impart dramatic internal patterns worthy of appreciation, as revealed in these compositions.

a tall feather rock fountain with live ferns at the base
mixed
14" dia. x 21"
2023
A tabletop fountain with sustainable coral rock, live ivy plant, and tiny brass frog
mixed
15" x 10" x 13"
2023
miniature pump hidden inside rock sends water cascading down rock face; miniature palm in separate concrete planter
mixed
14" x 10" x 9"
2022
waterfall inside South Seas base rock with miniature palm in separate planter
mixed
10" x 7" x 12"
2022
Tabletop fountain using extinct coral and live plants
mixed
10" x 7" x 11"
2021
Fountain with limestone spirit stone, Malaysian driftwood, and live plant.
mixed
12" x 8" x 12"
2020
spaghetti rock fountain with Malaysian driftwood and oakleaf fig
mixed
12" x 8" x 11"
2019
Texas holey rock fountain with driftwood and blue pilea
mixed
10" x 15" x 17"
2019
Malaysian driftwood and feather rock fountain with baby's tears and miniature white terns
mixed
2019
scholar's rock on daiza with driftwood
mixed
12" x 9" x 15"
2013
feather rock scholar's rock fountain
mixed
7" x 6 " x 17"
2017
feather rock gongshi fountain with Malaysian driftwood, maidenhair fern, and Corian daiza
mixed
14" x 10" x 15"
2017
feather rock fountain with driftwood, miniature cranes, and Corian base
mixed
22” x 18” x 13”
2016
tepui stone island with fogger, waterfall, plants, and bird
mixed
15" x 12" x 14"
2014
feather rock scholar's rock with fountain and plant
mixed
15" x 13" x 14"
2014
scholar's rock on daiza with driftwood
mixed
14" x 8" x 16"
2013