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 a brand new inkstone, but it has been tuned by Minista (reshaping the ink well and ink surface to improve the inkstone's performance) and is a Nakamura inkstone (Soryu Stone inkstone). It was made by Issui Sakamoto of Issui Kobo in Kochi Prefecture. The inscription "Issui Saku" (Made by Issui) is carved on the back of the inkstone. This inkstone was purchased directly from Issui Kobo. I call it a "Support the Region Inkstone" (see below). It is a Soryu Stone with interesting stone patterns. The entire inkstone has a bluish tint, and strange flowing patterns appear. There are also mottled patterns on the upper right of the ink surface. It may look bumpy like a Shushu inkstone, but the inkstone is perfectly flat and smooth. (Oh, but be careful, some Shushu inkstones in calligraphy supply stores have actual bumps due to the stone patterns, not just the appearance. Especially old inkstones.) Issui-san must have judged it to be a rare and good stone. The ink well is decorated with carvings on the inkstone's surface. The edges are also elaborately designed with gentle curves. I think it's a special stone for Issui-san. I have tuned the inkstone to produce exceptionally beautiful ink color, and to allow for the ink to spread and create gradations. The ink color and spread of the ink you are currently using will change. I don't think there is another inkstone that can achieve the same level of performance. And yet, it grinds ink exceptionally well. It's an amazing inkstone. For kana calligraphy, the ink spreads beautifully, and the ink color for dark ink and blurring is outstanding. I think you can create thin, strong lines and expressive shades. For ink wash painting, you can create strong lines and beautiful multi-layered gradations. For kanji calligraphy, the black ink will be even more vivid with the same ink. If you use ink like "Suminoe no Shishi-o" (Lion King), you can achieve a stunningly dark ink color that will make you swoon. "It grinds smoothly, and the ink color is wonderful. You'll be surprised at how easily the brush moves, and how easily you can control the ink flow. The brush follows your intentions!! It's easy to create changes. When you rotate the brush and want to make a thin line, the tip of the brush comes together beautifully. Also, the ink spreads beautifully." This inkstone will change the level of your artwork. Size: 20.3 x 14.5 x 2.0 cm Weight: Over 1kg (approx. 1.2kg) #Minista Inkstone (Inspiring Inkstone) Support the Region Inkstone: I call inkstones purchased directly from the inkstone production area "Support the Region Inkstones." The purpose is to support the region and artisans through the sale of new inkstones. Kana Kanji Japanese Painting Ink Wash Painting Sumi-e Soryu Stone Brush Ink Inkstone Paper