Item description - YO08010002
Shirakawa-suna, Japanese Shirakawa Gravel 5-10 mm - According to ancient Japanese tradition, pebbles and gravel have an important purpose within the Japanese garden. Gravel is relatively small in comparison to pebbles. This is why it is often used to symbolize water at the famous Zen gardens, also known as dry rock gardens or Karesansui (枯山水). The consistency of gravel makes it fairly easy to create wavelike patterns with a traditional rake to represent the dynamic of the ocean. This dynamic brings life to the garden, which is the role of the water element according to Japanese principles.
one ton of gravel (1000 kilograms) can roughly cover a surface of 7 m2 without the chance of holes or open spots. In this case it will also be of a sufficient height to create traditional wave patterns in the gravel in the most elegant way possible.
Shirakawa gravel, also known as Shirakawa-suna (白川砂), is the most authentic type of gravel in the world of Japanese landscaping. It has been applied in various highly acclaimed Japanese gardens, such as the Karesansui gardens at the Ryōan-ji and Daitoku-ji temples in Kyoto. The name of this gravel originates from the Shirakawa river in Kyoto prefecture, from which it was originally sourced. The river runs from the eastern hills of Kyoto, through the Geisha district of Gion and eventually ends up in the Kamo river. Shirakawa literally means White River in Japanese, which refers to the light-colored sand and gravel on the bottom. Since half way through the 20th century the Shirakawa river has been protected by the Japanese government, and Shirakawa-suna gravel is now mainly sourced from Gifu prefecture.
Yokoso is the only supplier of authentic Shirakawa-suna gravel outside of Japan. Prices listed are per ton (1000 kg), which roughly covers an area of 7 m2 with a layer of 7 cm in height. If you need multiple tons, please contact us for a custom quotation.
Specifications • Origin: Gifu prefecture, Japan • Material: Shirakawa stone (白川石)
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