I am Minista, a creator of inspiring suzuri (inkstones). I create inkstones that make grinding ink enjoyable and make writing and painting even more fun. This is an Oshuu inkstone, tuned by Minista (reworking the ink well and ink surface to improve the inkstone's performance). It is an inkstone made of Gensho stone from the Uchi district of Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. To be precise, it is a Gensho stone inkstone. Oshuu stone itself is originally a black slate called Gensho stone, and it was quarried in a wide area including the former Oshika Town of Ishinomaki City, as well as Tome City and the Ishinomaki City area. Even looking at the characteristics of the stone, it is no different from the stone of the Oshuu area. I classify Oshuu stone into about 10 types based on its characteristics, but if I were to classify them roughly, there are three types: black stone, white stone, and gray stone (categorized by the color of the stone). This stone falls into the black stone category. The stone of this inkstone is one of the better black stones. Since the maker of the inkstone is a quarry operator, they are experts in stone but not experts in judging inkstone stones. Therefore, there is a tendency for the stones to vary greatly in quality (the quality of the stone itself and the quality of the inkstone stone are different), but this stone is of high quality. If you were to say whether it's a hit or miss, it's a hit. This inkstone is made of Gensho stone (Oshuu stone) with few irregularities and is a good stone. The ink grinds smoothly and comfortably with light pressure. The ink grinds easily. I think the ink will turn black quickly. The ink grinds well, the ink color is good, the ink spreads well, and it grinds comfortably. It can be used for both thick and light ink, and you can write good lines. It is a good inkstone for both oil soot ink and pine soot ink. It is good for kana (up to full-size paper), kanji (up to half-size paper), and ink painting. On the back of the inkstone, it says "National" Miyagi National College of Technology 20th Anniversary. It has already been closed, but it is now the Natori Campus of the National Sendai College of Technology. It seems to have been an excellent technical college. Since it was the 20th anniversary, it was made around 1983. Size: 16.6 x 9.1 x 2.8 cm Weight: 940g * If you purchase ink with the inkstone, we will discount the ink by 300 yen per bottle. * All shipments use Mercari shipping, which has transportation insurance. #Minista Inkstone (Inspiring Inkstone) ↑ Click here for a list of inkstones. Inkstone tuning: Improving the performance of ink grinding, ink color, ink spread, ink release, and the feel of grinding ink to enable good calligraphy and painting. It is often said that it feels like one has become better at calligraphy and painting. Ink consumption will be reduced to about 2/3 to 1/2. Calligraphy Calligraphy tools Suzuri Inkstone Kana Kanji Sutra copying Japanese painting Ink painting Ink wash painting Letter art Japanese inkstone Brush Ink Inkstone Paper