Minista, an artisan of inspiring suzuri (inkstones). I create inkstones that make grinding ink enjoyable and make writing and painting even more fun. This is an inkstone I highly recommend. I've already sold over 50 of these inkstones, and they've received excellent reviews from users. Suitable for kana, sumi-e (ink wash painting), and kanji. Perfect for those who are unfamiliar with inkstones, have only heard of things like Duan inkstones, and wonder about Japanese inkstones. Also highly recommended for those who have used Ogatsu inkstones or other Japanese inkstones... you'll find it to be a completely different experience. You'll understand how inaccurate the information about Japanese inkstones in old books and popular opinion is. An inkstone is not just a stone; it's a craft item made using stone. This is a new inkstone, but it's an Ogatsu inkstone that has been tuned by Minista (by reshaping the ink well and ink surface to enhance the inkstone's performance). The back of the inkstone is engraved with "Ogatsu Namiita Stone, Hiroyuki." This inkstone is made from stone from the Namiita area of Ogatsu, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, and was crafted by Ogatsu inkstone artisan Hiroyuki Endo. It has a lot of gold dust (the small white dots in the photo), which looks beautiful like stars when wet. This inkstone was purchased directly from Endo Suzurikan and comes with a bookmark from Endo Suzurikan. (Supporting the production area inkstone. See below.) It's a wide inkstone, making it easy to grind ink. It has excellent ink release and ink color, and the ink spreads well. You can grind ink comfortably. It can be used for both thick and light ink, and you can write good lines. It's a good inkstone for both oil soot ink and pine soot ink. Good for kana (up to full-size paper), kanji (up to half-size paper), and sumi-e. Size: 13.3 x 9.3 x 2.3 cm Weight: 630g #Minista Inkstone (Inspiring Inkstone) ↑ Click here for a list of inkstones. It's easier to see if you check "Only show items on sale." Supporting the Production Area Inkstone: Inkstones purchased directly from the production area are named "Supporting the Production Area Inkstone." The purpose is to support the production area and artisans through the sale of new inkstones. Inkstone Tuning: Improving the performance of ink release, ink color, ink spread, ink dispersion, and the feel of grinding ink to enable good calligraphy and painting. It is often said that it feels like one's calligraphy and painting skills have improved. Ink consumption will be reduced to about 2/3 to 1/2. Calligraphy Calligraphy Tools Inkstone Kana Kanji Sutra copying Japanese painting Sumi-e Ink painting Japanese inkstone Brush Ink Paper