Inkstone. “Moonlight”
- Inkstone carving
- Presented in 2018
- H 4.9 x W 25.8 x D 19.0 cm
- Contact for Price
Category | Inkstone carving |
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Year Presented | 2018 |
Dimensions | H 4.9 x W 25.8 x D 19.0 cm |
Exhibition | The 65th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition |
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Inkstone carving
Inkstones are used in brush calligraphy to grind the ink for writing characters. Inkstones are highly valued writing tools, and the process of ink grinding is regarded as a calming practice preceding calligraphic activities. First, the rough shape of the inkstone is cut out of the base rock. Next, a long-handled chisel is used to cut a flat surface where the ink will be ground and a well where the ink will gather. The final form is coated with a finish of wax or lacquer. Popular varieties of stone include Amehata slate (amehataishi) from Yamanashi prefecture, akamaishi schalstein from Yamaguchi prefecture, and hōmeiseki shale and slate from Aichi prefecture.