Vintage Shikishi artwork of stones (石, ishi). It hold deep symbolic and cultural significance. They are associated with various spiritual, artistic, and philosophical meanings. Stones symbolize resilience, stability, and permanence.
Many stones are considered sacred in Shinto and Buddhist traditions. Iwakura (磐座) are large sacred rocks where deities (kami) are believed to reside. In Zen Buddhism, stones are a key element of rock gardens are a key element of rock gardens (karesansui), representing mountains, islands, or flowing water. They symbolize meditation, simplicity, and the impermanence of life, representing the balance between humans and nature.
This Shikishi fully reflects the philosophy of Wabi-sabi (侘寂) a Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. Rooted in Zen Buddhism, it values the natural cycle of growth and decay, embracing flaws, asymmetry, and the passage of time.
