Minista, a maker of inspiring suzuri (inkstones). I create inkstones that make writing and painting more enjoyable, and make the time spent grinding ink a pleasure. This is an Akama inkstone with a stone lid, tuned by Minista (remodeling the ink well and ink surface to improve the inkstone's performance). The back of the inkstone is engraved with "Akama Inkstone." The stone lid prevents the ground ink from drying out, which is convenient for taking breaks or dealing with sudden situations. Akama inkstones are made from Akama stone from Yamaguchi Prefecture. Akama stone is a green-gray tuff, said to be the same as Duan inkstone, but I consider it a tuffaceous shale. In the past, it could be quarried from eastern Fukuoka Prefecture to western Yamaguchi Prefecture, but now it is only quarried in western Yamaguchi Prefecture. Suitable for kana (Japanese syllabary, up to half-size paper), sutra copying, fine writing, and ink wash painting. Works well with both pine soot ink (blue-black ink) and oil soot ink (brown ink), producing a beautiful, transparent ink color. I believe it can produce a beautiful, transparent ink color. This is especially noticeable in gradations from dark to light ink, blurring, and bleeding. Size: 14.5 x 8.9 x 3.5 cm (including stone lid) Weight: 505g (without stone lid), 670g (with stone lid) * If purchased with ink, the ink will be discounted by 300 yen per bottle. * All shipments use Mercari shipping, which includes transportation insurance. #Minista Inkstone (Inspiring Inkstone) ↑ Click here for a list of inkstones. It's easier to see if you check "Only items on sale." Inkstone tuning: Improving the performance of ink flow, ink color, ink spread, ink repellency, and the feel of grinding ink, to enable better writing and painting. People often say they feel like they've improved their skills. Ink consumption will be reduced to about 2/3 to 1/2. Calligraphy Calligraphy tools Suzuri Inkstone Kana Kanji Sutra copying Japanese painting Ink wash painting Sumi-e (ink painting) Illustrated letter Duan inkstone Japanese inkstone Brush, ink, inkstone, paper Akama stone