Gongshi (Chinese: 供石), also known as scholar's rocks, are naturally occurring or shaped rocks which are traditionally appreciated by Chinese scholars. Like a landscape painting, the rock represented a microcosm of the universe on which the scholar could meditate within the confines of his studio or garden; Although most scholar’s rocks suggest mountain landscapes, these abstract forms may recall a variety of images to the viewer, such as dragons, phoenixes, blossoming plants and even human figures.’ Many factors contribute to the perfect scholar’s rock — or ‘fantastic rocks’ as they were once known — ranging from its geographic origin to the colour and texture of the stone. ‘Rocks of sombre colour are typically appreciated for their sensuous shapes, while rocks of bright colour are generally valued for their massed forms, which best showcase their colours'. A number of terms were created to describe the desired qualities in a scholar’s rock, from shou (meaning thin) to tou (conveying ‘openess’). Hollows in the rock, meanwhile, were prized for their dramatic contrast to the solidity of the stone — and light. Other terms denote the rock’s age: gu means ancient but also elegant, while jue is the ultimate accolade, translating as ‘perfect Literature: there is a very comprehensive article on the Christies website "Collecting Guide: Scholars’ rocks" from which some of the text above comes from