I am Minista, a creator 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 unused Wakada inkstone (Tsushima, Nagasaki Prefecture) that has been tuned by Minista (reworking the ink well and ink surface to improve the inkstone's performance). The back of the inkstone is engraved with "Wakada Suzuri Shiko." According to the attached Wakada inkstone bookmark, Shiko seems to be the name (or art name?) of an inkstone artist from Tsushima. Wakada inkstones are made using stone from Tsushima, Nagasaki Prefecture. There is a legend that Murasaki Shikibu used them when writing The Tale of Genji, and they are indeed suitable for kana (Japanese syllabic script). Wakada inkstones generally have good stone from Tsushima. Although the style tends to be large overall, this inkstone has very little unevenness, even among Wakada stones, and is thin and light for its size. The ink grinds exceptionally well, producing fine particles, and the ink spreads well, resulting in a beautiful ink color. Suitable for kana (up to half-cut paper), kanji (up to half-page), and ink wash painting. Works well with oil soot ink, blue ink, and pine soot ink, but oil soot ink produces an outstanding ink color and spread. The ink grinds exceptionally well, allowing for comfortable ink grinding and excellent ink release. The ink color is good from dark to light, with good gradation and spread, allowing you to write long, excellent lines. The ink surface is wide, making it an easy-to-use inkstone. Size: 23.8 x 11.8 x 2.0 cm Weight: Over 1 kg (approx. 1.1 kg) * If purchased with ink, I offer a 300 yen discount per ink stick. * All items are shipped via Mercari shipping with shipping insurance. #Minista Suzuri (Inspiring Inkstones) ↑ Click here for a list of inkstones. Check "Show only items for sale" for easier viewing. Inkstone tuning: Improving the performance of ink grinding, ink color, ink spread, ink release, and the feel of grinding ink to enable better calligraphy 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 Ink Kana (Japanese syllabic script) Kanji (Chinese characters) Japanese painting Ink wash painting Sumi-e (ink painting) Letter art Oil soot ink Tea ink Tankei inkstone Wakada stone Brush Ink Inkstone Paper