Antique Japanese Hyōtan-form Biseki (Viewing Stone)
Large ornamental stone with three distinctive gourd-like forms · Taishō to early Shōwa period (c. 1912–1950s).
This antique Japanese biseki was sourced in Japan and selected for its craftsmanship, history, and quiet presence.
ABOUT THIS PIECE
This unusual Japanese biseki (美石) has a powerful sculptural form evoking a large hyōtan, or bottle gourd, accompanied by a smaller gourd-like form on each side.
The visible surface has been polished to bring out the rounded contours and subtle variations of the stone. Areas of rough natural stone remain visible on the back and underside, creating a striking contrast between smooth and rugged surfaces and preserving much of the material's natural character.
Substantial in both size and weight, the stone has a particularly strong presence when viewed in person. It rests on a fitted wooden daiza, individually shaped to follow its irregular base and present the stone upright.
CULTURAL NOTE
Japan has a long tradition of appreciating stones for their form, colour, texture and ability to suggest familiar forms or landscapes. Biseki (美石), literally “beautiful stone,” is a broad term for ornamental stones appreciated for these qualities and can include stones whose appearance has been enhanced through polishing or working.
This example evokes the hyōtan (瓢箪), or bottle gourd, a familiar form in Japanese art and everyday culture. The hyōtan has also traditionally carried auspicious associations with good fortune and prosperity.
What makes this stone particularly unusual is the repetition of the form: a dominant central hyōtan-like body accompanied by a smaller gourd-like form on either side. From different viewing angles, these forms and the contrast between polished and rough stone give the piece a changing, almost abstract sculptural presence.
DELIVERY
Delivery is included in the prices shown for Europe, the United States and Japan. For other destinations, please contact us for a delivered price.
Secure, reinforced packaging with tracking.
Note: Import duties or taxes may apply depending on the regulations of the destination country. For items over 100 years old, reduced import duties or taxes may apply in some countries. On request, we can provide a certificate stating the item’s estimated age to assist with customs clearance.
DETAILS & PRICE
SKU: A195
Price:
Europe: €650— delivery to Europe included
United States: US$750 — delivery to the USA included
Japan: ¥65,000 — delivery within Japan included
Material: Natural stone, wood daiza
Period: Taishō to early Shōwa period (c. 1912–1950s)
Origin: Japan
Features:
Large central hyōtan-like form with a smaller gourd-like form on each side; polished surface; areas of rough natural stone on the back and underside; fitted wooden daiza
Dimensions: W 24 × D 14 × H 32 cm (9.4 × 5.5 × 12.6 in)
Weight: 9.3 kg (20.5 lb)
Condition:
Good antique condition, with natural irregularities, surface variations and signs of age.
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