Kiso Stone (Gifu Prefecture) [Famous Japanese Stones]

KISO STONE

Kiso stone

A stone inscribed with the name Shinzan Yukoku.
It comes from the same area as the Kiso cypress found in Akazawa Forest, one of Japan's three most beautiful forests, exuding a spiritual aura.
It is a heavy stone compared to its appearance.
It is strong, but its sandstone-like texture makes it unsuitable for fine processing.
This stone's color deteriorates over time, making it one of the "wabi-sabi" stones.
Wabi-sabi stones often deteriorate, but Kiso stone is resistant to weathering and does not change shape.
*Deep mountains and secluded valleys refer to deep, natural areas that are almost unexplored by humans.
"Miyama" refers to a deep mountain far away from civilization, and "Yukoku" refers to a quiet valley deep in the mountains.

A famous stone from the deep mountain valley (Shinzanyuukoku). It is produced in the same area as the Kiso cypress of Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest, one of Japan's most beautiful forests that exudes spiritual energy. It is a relatively heavier stone than it looks. Although it is strong, it has a sandstone-like texture so is not suitable for detailed processing. It can be said to be one of the “wabi-sabi'' stones, as its color deteriorates over time. Wabi-sabi stone often deteriorates, but Kiso stone is resistant to weathering and does not change shape.
* Deep mountain valleys are deep natural areas that are almost unexplored.
“Shinzan'' means a deep, remote mountain, and “Yuu” means a quiet valley deep in the mountains.