Kimachi Stone Sanzonseki Set, Japanese Gemstones

The first manual for the Japanese garden, the Sakuteiki, describes the laying out of gardens as: Ishi wo taten koto (石を立てん事). This means the upright placement of stones, which strongly emphasizes the important role of these elements within the Japanese garden.

The correct application of garden stones, Niwaishi (garden stones) in Japanese, forms the basis of practically every Japanese garden. The placement of stones and rocks is almost always determined first, after which the garden is formed together with all the elements surrounding it. Because of this, stones and rocks are also known as the Kikotsu (気骨), or backbone, of the Japanese garden.

An authentic Japanese garden should mimic a certain natural essence. Stones and rocks are a significant part of this principle since they concern pure elements, coming directly from nature.

These three stones together form a Sanzonseki arrangement. Sanzonseki (三尊石) can be translated as the three Buddha stones and, as the name suggests, is based on Buddhist philosophy. The largest stone in the middle represents Buddha, while the two stones on the side symbolize followers with a supporting function. The Sanzonseki arrangement can be seen in many gardens in Japan, sometimes with even more small stones surrounding it.

Kimachi stone is an authentic type of Japanese sandstone that originates from Kimachi near Lake Shinji in the city of Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. The type has a rough texture and is highly absorbent, making it easy for plants such as moss to grow on it. The stone is known for its use in Izumo lanterns, named after the neighboring city of Matsue where they are made, Izumo.