Thank you for your interest. This is Ryuchi, from Kijuen, an established Nara ink maker. The manufacturing year is unknown, but judging by the size, it's a 10-cho size, though it feels somewhat dry, weighing 141 grams. According to Kijuen's website, Ryuchi is ideal for general artwork and practice by experts. It produces a pale brown hue with beautiful bleeding in light ink, and a strong, glossy black color in dark ink. Ryuchi can be purchased without a box or color application, so it will be shipped wrapped in cushioning material as it has no gold lettering or box. - - Features: Engraved characters - Size: Rectangular Thank you for viewing.