This item was received from a calligrapher who was active from the post-war period to the early Heisei era. It has been stored in a shaded area and wrapped in bubble wrap. (01/26/19) Images added. These are enlarged images of what appears to be a black scratch near the center of the inkstone. When touched with a finger, I did not feel any roughness or snagging on the stone surface. Please understand that individual perceptions may vary. If you would like more information on the product condition or detailed images, please feel free to comment. The item will be wrapped in cushioning material and shipped with care to prevent breakage or damage.