SUZURI
A Wide Selection of Inkstones for Calligraphy and Penmanship
We offer a broad range of inkstones suitable for kana, kanji, and seal engraving.
From student-friendly models to authentic Chinese inkstones and refined pieces for experienced calligraphers, each inkstone is carefully selected for its grinding quality and character.
Please explore our collection and find the inkstone that suits your style.
An Inkstone for a Lifetime
Calligraphy begins with grinding ink.
Simply having an inkstone nearby brings a quiet sense of focus.
More than a practical tool, an inkstone is also an object of beauty and craftsmanship.
As the saying goes, “An inkstone lasts a lifetime.” Choose one that fits your budget and feels right in your hand.
Grinding ink on a fine inkstone is one of the true pleasures of calligraphy.
How to Choose an Inkstone
At Shoyu Online, we carry a carefully curated selection of inkstones for various purposes.
Choose the size and type according to your writing style and paper format.
As a general guide, smaller inkstones are suited for kana and everyday writing, medium sizes for kanji on hanshi or long-format works, and larger inkstones for bold, large-scale calligraphy.
Each stone has its own texture and character—please select one that matches your preference.
Inkstones as Works of Art
Many people also enjoy inkstones as objects of appreciation, not only for daily use.
Practical use and aesthetic enjoyment offer different perspectives, and discovering various inkstones adds depth to the world of calligraphy.
Inkstone ColumnSuzuri Column
Chinese and Japanese Inkstones
Chinese inkstones are known as “Tōken,” while Japanese inkstones are called “Waken.”
China has many regions known for inkstone production, each with distinct stone qualities.
These differences influence how ink grinds and how the finished ink appears.
Inkstones have fine projections on the surface, called “Hōbō,” which play an essential role in grinding ink.
Structure of an Inkstone
The grinding area is called the “Hill (Oka),” and the area where liquid ink collects is the “Sea (Umi).”
The surface is referred to as the “Kenmen,” the back as the “Ken’in,” and the edges as the “Kenen.”
Some flat ink boards for light ink do not include all of these features.
How to Care for Your Inkstone
Cleaning
After use, gently wash your inkstone to remove old ink residue.
Proper cleaning helps maintain clear ink color and smooth grinding performance.
Polishing
Over time, the fine grinding texture may wear down.
When ink becomes difficult to grind, lightly polishing the surface with a whetstone can help restore its performance.
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