Japanese Suiban

Suiban and doban are shallow oval or rectangular dishes used to display viewing stones (suiseki). As with displaying trees, the containers femininity (softness), or masculinity (ruggedness), should reflect that of the suiseki. Doban are metal dishes for displaying suiseki, and are often also decorated in beautiful etchings. Although some suiban have very colourful glazes, or intricate paintings, these decorations are often concealed when displaying the suiseki, covered in sand, as it is not the intention for the dish to 'outshine' the stone. As with a tree and its pot, the suiseki and its suiban are a marriage and should compliment each other to provide a harmonious and balanced image.