Shodo Suzuri (Calligraphy Inkstone) - Shezhou Inkstone, Fish Roe Pattern, Finely Carved "Path of the Buddha" Inkstone ★Beautiful Condition★ 6D1129 The fish roe pattern (gyoshimon) of the Shezhou inkstone (kyujuken) refers to the small blue, blue-black, black, and silver dots that appear as if fish eggs are scattered throughout the stone. Unlike wave patterns, its beauty lies in its understated elegance. Shezhou inkstones, along with Duanxi inkstones (tankeiken) and Chengni inkstones (chodeiken), are considered one of the three great inkstones during the Tang Dynasty in China. They are also known as "Duan She" alongside Duanxi and are renowned as excellent inkstones. Compared to Duanxi, it is harder, and the texture is dense. The surface is rough and granular like sharkskin, making it suitable for grinding hard inks such as pine soot ink. The fine and detailed ink-grinding surface, which is categorized by its patterns, is strong and fine, and it is good for both ink production and ink application, suitable for a wide range of uses from kana works to large kanji works. Size (approx.): Length 18.8cm, Width 11cm, Height 3.3cm, Weight 1.5kg