Japanese Inkstone Oogatsu Processed Natural 35-bu

Characteristics of Ogatsu Inkstones

Ogatsu stone, a traditional Japanese craft, is said to have been mined in Ishinomaki City (Ogatsu district) as early as 1396 (Muromachi period). It has been prized as a fine inkstone since the Oei era, and 600 years of history and tradition have been passed down ever since. Its characteristics include its pure black color, resistance to compression and bending, and low water absorption rate, resulting in a black, hard slate with excellent luster and uniform grain. It also has the ability to withstand chemical processes over many years. These characteristics have made it a popular material for inkstones since ancient times. It has the property of not changing even with chemical action or over a long period of time. Ogatsu stone is also known as Gensho stone, where "Gen" means black and "Sho" means beautiful. One theory is that this name comes from the stone's black beauty. The environment surrounding Ogatsu stone is still harsh due to the effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake, but production has resumed with the cooperation of many people.

Natural Stone Inkstone

The four corners of inkstone material cut to standard size are artificially removed, reshaping the stone to resemble a natural stone.

Square Inkstone / Basic Shape

This inkstone is known as a school inkstone, found in calligraphy bags used by elementary school students. Once an inkstone craftsman has mastered carving square inkstones, he or she can move on to the next step and carve intermediate or higher-quality inkstones.