Pieces like this with flat surfaces that appear like steps are called danishi, or step stones. This piece was taken from the upper course of the Tamgawa River. Its different terraces gives it the appearance of a number of cliffs with different levels of elevation. It was given its name, Banshō, meaning "evening bell" due to how it can bring one into the scene of the famous painting "Evening Bell from Mist-Shrouded Temple".