Minista, an artisan 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, tuned by Minista (remodeling the ink well and ink surface to improve the inkstone's performance, as described below). Akama inkstones are made using Akama stone from Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Inkstone production takes place in Ube City and Shimonoseki City. Inkstones made in Shimonoseki City are called Akamaseki inkstones (Akamaseki is the old name for Shimonoseki). However, recently, both are generally referred to as Akama inkstones. Akama stone was once quarried from the Kanmon Formation, which spans Fukuoka Prefecture to Yamaguchi Prefecture. Generally, it is called green porphyry tuff, but judging by its characteristics as an inkstone, it is a tuffaceous shale. Because it's tuffaceous shale, it's difficult to obtain square stones, and for this inkstone, a stone about 2-3 times the size of the inkstone is carved. It's a shape that is quite costly to produce. Because of this size, I've tuned the inkstone to improve ink grinding. It is especially good for blue ink and pine soot ink, but it also grinds oil soot ink finely. It is good for blue ink, pine soot ink, and oil soot ink, but it is especially good for works using blue ink and pine soot ink for kana (Japanese syllabary) and kanji (Chinese characters), and for ink wash painting. Suitable for kana (up to full-size paper), kanji (up to full-size paper), and ink wash painting. I have created this inkstone with an emphasis on the beauty of ink color from dark to light and the long-lasting lines that can be drawn. It also easily produces base lines and bleeding. It produces a transparent ink color. Size: 18.5 x 12.1 x 2.9 cm Weight: Over 1 kg (approx. 1.3 kg) * If purchased with ink, the ink is discounted by 300 yen per bottle. * Shipping method is undecided, but I use Mercari shipping, which has shipping insurance. #Minista Inkstone (Inspiring Inkstone) ↑ Click here for a list of inkstones. It's easier to see if you check "Show only items on sale." Inkstone Tuning: Improving the performance of ink grinding, ink color, ink flow, ink repellency, and the feel of grinding ink, so that you can write and paint better. People often say they feel like they've improved their writing and painting skills. I think ink consumption will be reduced to about 2/3 to 1/2. Calligraphy Calligraphy tools Suzuri Inkstone Kana Japanese syllabary Ink wash painting Sumi-e (ink painting) Letter art Tankei inkstone Akama stone Brush, ink, inkstone, paper