“Setting sun” inkstone.
- Inkstone carving
- Presented in 2020
- H 5.8 x W 13.6 x D 24.6 cm
- Contact for Price
Category | Inkstone carving |
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Year Presented | 2020 |
Dimensions | H 5.8 x W 13.6 x D 24.6 cm |
Exhibition | The 67th 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.