SUZURI
Over 60 kinds of inkstones for calligraphy and penmanship.
We offer a wide variety of inkstones, including those for kana, kanji, and seal engraving.
You can also find authentic Chinese inkstones such as Saira-mon and Songkō Tanken.
Of course, ceramic inkstones for students are also available, so everyone from elementary school students to professional calligraphers can enjoy them.
Please take a look.
An Inkstone for a Lifetime
Calligraphy begins with grinding ink.
Just having an inkstone brings a sense of calm… An inkstone is more than a practical tool — it is also an object of beauty and art.
The inkstone plays an important role in achieving a rich ink tone.
As the saying goes, “An inkstone lasts a lifetime.” Choose the best quality inkstone you can within your budget.
Grinding ink on a fine inkstone is the ultimate luxury.
How to Choose an Inkstone
Shoyu Online offers a wide range of inkstones, from student models to premium artisan pieces, always at great prices.
Select the size and type of stone according to your purpose.
As a general guide, we recommend inkstones of 3 to 5 inches for kana and small characters,
6 to 7 inches for kanji on hanshi paper or long kana scrolls, and
8 to 10 inches for large kanji scrolls.
Each type of stone varies by origin and has its own characteristics.
Find the inkstone that best suits your preference.
Inkstones as Works of Art
Many people also own inkstones for appreciation rather than daily use.
The perspective differs between practical use and aesthetic appreciation, but exploring different inkstones adds to the joy of calligraphy.
Inkstone ColumnSuzuri Column
Chinese and Japanese Inkstones
Chinese inkstones are called “Tōken,” and Japanese ones are called “Waken.”
China has many stone quarries suitable for inkstones, and each region gives its name to the inkstone.
The characteristics of the stones vary by origin.
Because of this variety, many people use Chinese inkstones.
Inkstones have small projections on the surface called “Hōbō,” which are used to grind the ink.
If the texture of the Hōbō is coarse, ink grinds quickly but the particles become larger,
which may affect the ink tone and the beauty of its gradation.
Structure of an Inkstone
The grinding area is called the “Hill (Oka),” and the reservoir for liquid ink is the “Sea (Umi).”
Some flat ink boards used for light ink (Usuzumi) do not have these parts.
The surface is called the “Kenmen,” the back is the “Ken’in,” and the edges are known as “Kenen.”
Types of Stones
Find Your Favorite.
■ Ogatsu Inkstone (Ogatsu-ken)
A black, hard shale with a fine and uniform grain. It is pure black, resistant to pressure and bending,
and has low water absorption. It does not deteriorate even after long periods of time.
*The Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011, caused catastrophic damage to Ogatsu,
one of Japan’s leading inkstone production areas. Restoration is ongoing,
but currently stones from Anhui Province are processed and shipped as “Ogatsu-processed inkstones.”
■ Saira-mon Inkstone
Affordable and excellent for grinding ink.
Quarried from the Longwei Mountain area and along the Fuyong River in Jiangxi Province, China.
Thin, layered stone is cut vertically to produce inkstones with fine horizontal patterns (Ra-mon).
Because they are inexpensive and easy to grind, these are recommended for beginners.
■ Songkō Tanken Inkstone
A great choice for beginners with its reasonable price.
Quarried from the Fuke Mountain area in Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province, China.
Among the Tanken inkstones, this is one of the most affordable types.
It has a brownish tone and relatively hard texture, providing quick ink grinding.
Note: Stones that are shiny or reddish tend to be very hard, so use caution.
■ Mashikō Tanken Inkstone
One of the three most famous quarries, located around Fuke Mountain in Gaoyao County, Guangdong Province, China.
Known for its rich luster and deep purple color with beautiful natural patterns.
It is popular for its excellent ink-grinding quality and very fine Hōbō texture.
Since the surface wears gradually, regular maintenance is recommended.
■ Kōshigan Tanken Inkstone
Also quarried in the Fuke Mountain area of Gaoyao County, Guangdong Province, China.
Located south of the famous “Rōkō” quarry, many stones resemble the Rōkō inkstones.
Usually smaller in size, but with very fine texture and excellent ink-grinding properties.
Some show patterns called “Gan.”
The stone color is reddish-purple, and it produces a metallic sound when tapped.
■ Rōkō Tanken Inkstone
Quarried in the Fuke Mountain area of Gaoyao County, Guangdong Province, China.
Regarded as the finest among Tanken inkstones, with some valued at tens of thousands of yen.
Most are light purple and offer an exceptionally smooth ink-grinding feel.
When wet, the surface reveals beautiful natural patterns.
Although once known as the top Tanken quarry, mining has now stopped, and large pieces are rare.
How to Choose an Inkstone
Choose an inkstone that matches your purpose — one that grinds smoothly and produces rich ink tones.
Stones with good water retention prevent the ink from drying too quickly,
reducing the need for constant grinding.
A good inkstone surface feels slightly textured, like a baby’s skin.
Some Chinese inkstones are finished with beeswax.
If so, polish lightly with a whetstone before use.
Choose by Size
1 inch = approx. 2.5 cm. Inkstone size refers to its vertical length.
For example, a 3-inch inkstone for kana writing is about 7.5 cm long.
Kana / Everyday writing … 3–5 inches
Kanji on hanshi paper / Long kana scrolls … 6–7 inches
Large kanji scrolls … 8–10 inches
*For those attending lessons, it’s convenient to have a separate inkstone for carrying.
*These are general guidelines only.
Choose by Design
Inkstones come in various colors, shapes, and carvings.
High-quality inkstones are one-of-a-kind, so choose one that suits your taste.
Whether oval or rectangular, both shapes are fine — select what you prefer.
Carved or uncarved designs are also up to your liking;
there is no right or wrong choice.
How to Care for Your Inkstone
Washing the Inkstone
If not properly cleaned, old ink residue can affect the ink color.
Always wash your inkstone carefully after use.
Polishing the Inkstone
The inkstone’s surface has Hōbō — fine projections that act like sandpaper for grinding ink.
These wear down gradually with use.
To restore them, gently polish with a whetstone when you feel grinding has become difficult.
How to Wash and Polish Your Inkstone »
