Lake's stones tell tales of life's philosophies

It's hard to tell who first discovered the hollowed-out limestones from Taihu Lake in southern China.

The ongoing exhibition Natural Elegance at the National Museum of China in Beijing celebrates the ancient tradition of viewing stones as a way of understanding nature and the relationship between humans and their environment.

Appreciation for the Taihu stones, which have uneven, rugged surfaces resulting from water corrosion, became popular among intellectuals and collectors who would place the rocks in pots to decorate their living spaces, which became an essential aspect of classic Chinese garden designs.

The Taihu stones are a typical example of viewing something that beholds the power of nature, and imbues the colors, shapes and textures with philosophical meanings and life attitudes, such as the seclusive tendencies of Taoism or meditation rituals of Zen Buddhism.

The exhibition offers a view into the influence of nature on everything on Earth over time, and produces various colors and shapes, including fossils and meteorites.