| Aji Stone, quarried exclusively in the towns of Aji and Mure in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, is renowned as one of the finest granites in the world. Its origins date back approximately 85–70 million years ago, when molten magma deep within the Earth cooled slowly, crystallizing into granite far beneath the surface. Through millions of years of tectonic movement and uplift, this granite emerged to the surface, and over further eons, iron-bearing minerals oxidized into a warm, reddish-brown patina. This unique “Sabi-ishi” appearance is distinct from the pure, uniform Aji Stone. More than just a change in color, it embodies a harmony between deep geological history and the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic — the beauty of imperfection and the quiet grace of time. In gardens, lanterns, gate pillars, or sculptures, its tones blend seamlessly with the seasons. This Sleeping Owl captures that timeless beauty. |
