A well-chosen stone is the focal point of both a traditional Chinese garden and a scholar's studio - evoking the complexities of nature and inspiring creative thought. This sculptural zhenzhu stone, also known as pearl stone or puddingstone, is a form of conglomerate limestone found in Lake Tai of Jiangsu province. Speckled with almost painterly daubs of grey and turquoise color, the unusual stone evokes the simple beauty of a rushing stream, a rocky cliff or a quiet lake dotted with lily pads. Formed millions of years ago, artisans have polished the stone to a flattened form with rippled texture.