Gyokuho Hieda

Oval inkstone.

  • Inkstone carving
  • Presented in 2013
  • H 3.3 x W 15.5 x D 21.5 cm
  • $6,403

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Category Inkstone carving
Year Presented 2013
Dimensions H 3.3 x W 15.5 x D 21.5 cm
Exhibition The 60th Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition

  • Inkstone carving

    Inkstones are used in brush calligraphy to grind the ink for writing characters. Inkstones are highly valued writing tools, and the process of ink grinding is regarded as a calming practice preceding calligraphic activities. First, the rough shape of the inkstone is cut out of the base rock. Next, a long-handled chisel is used to cut a flat surface where the ink will be ground and a well where the ink will gather. The final form is coated with a finish of wax or lacquer. Popular varieties of stone include Amehata slate (amehataishi) from Yamanashi prefecture, akamaishi schalstein from Yamaguchi prefecture, and hōmeiseki shale and slate from Aichi prefecture.