What are "biseki?"

Question: What are "biseki?"

Answer:
Stones that have been altered by man ie; grinding, polishing, dyeing, or cutting except for the bottom, are called "biseki". This means "pretty stone." A chrysanthemum stone would be an example of a biseki. These stones are ground to expose the azurite flower patterns that have made these stones famous. If you can find a "chrissy", or "plum bloosom stone," buy it up, as these stones are now protected in China and are not being exported.