The tradition of gnarled-wood and root furniture stems from Buddhist and Daoist affinities toward the unaffected state of things and the natural world. Stools fashioned from natural growth forms display beautiful eye-catching abstractions, and years of appreciation yield warmly patinated surfaces.
Stone stools were commonly set out in the garden. Stone endures exposure to the elements, and provides a cool seat during the hot summer months. Drum stools and those sculpted like natural rocks were favorite forms.
Smooth, short [tai] hu rocks set out around the four sides are suitable in the garden pavilion as outdoor seats.
~Wen Zhenheng
