Dai

From BonsaiWIKI

Dai is a Japanese word meaning "step" or "platform".

Bonsai and suiseki are often displayed on a dai in formal display.

Suiseki should be displayed on a "dai," a carved piece of wood, or a "suiban", a bonsai tray with no holes filled with sand or water. The dai and the suiban should be displayed on bonsai stands.

The dai should complement the stone and not take away from its beauty. The same way that a fine pot can bring out the beauty in a bonsai, so can a well carved dai. Traditionally, the stand that the stone/dai sit on should be of another type of wood to add variety.

Suiseki are and are frequently displayed together with bonsai and make great accents.

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Contributions by Al Keppler, Matt Chroust