Minista, an artisan of inspiring suzuri (inkstones). I create inkstones that make grinding ink enjoyable and make writing and painting even more fun. This is a Ryukei inkstone that has been tuned by Minista (reworking the ink well and ink channel to improve the inkstone's performance). The back of the inkstone is engraved with "Ryukei Stone, Shuseki Saku" (Made by Shuseki). This Ryukei inkstone uses Ryukei stone from Yokokawa Gorge in Tatsuno Town, Nagano Prefecture, and was made by Shuseki Fukazawa of Seisendo. I have tuned many of Mr. Shuseki's inkstones, and I am impressed that he was a person who seriously and sincerely dedicated himself to inkstones. He prioritized quality over profit, and he properly classified the stones based on standards. He also adjusted his inkstone making according to the stone's characteristics, but he carefully crafted them, paying attention to the essential aspects. He seems to have been conscious of costs, dividing them into stages based on price. On top of that, he has a good sense of balance in his inkstone making. From the inkstones, I get the impression of a strict and demanding person, but he also has a sense of balance, and I think he was a person of great character. I think it shows that he has overcome hardships. As a Ryukei stone, it is a good stone without unevenness. The inkstone making highlights the beauty of the stone skin (yellow layer) on the lower edge, and it is a natural inkstone making. The ink well and ink channel are made to make the most of the stone. The inkstone making technique is very high. The ink grinds well, and the ink can be ground smoothly and comfortably with a light touch. I think the ink will quickly turn black. Good for kana (Japanese syllabary, ~ half-cut paper), kanji (Chinese characters, ~ half-paper), and ink painting. The ink grinds exceptionally well, the ink color is good, the ink spreads well, and it grinds comfortably. You can use it from thick ink to light ink, and you can write good lines. It is a good inkstone for both oil soot ink and pine soot ink. Size: 14.2 x 9.8 x 2.0 cm Weight: 515g * If you purchase ink with the inkstone, you will receive a 300 yen discount per ink stick. * All shipments use Mercari shipping, which has transportation insurance. #Minista Inkstones (Inspiring Inkstones) ↑ Click here for a list of inkstones. It is easier to see if you check "Show only items for sale." Inkstone tuning: Improving the performance of ink grinding, ink color, ink spread, ink release, and the feel of grinding ink to enable good calligraphy and painting. It is often said that it feels like one's calligraphy and painting skills have improved. Ink consumption will be about 2/3 to 1/2. Calligraphy Calligraphy tools Suzuri Inkstone Kana Kanji Sutra copying Japanese painting Ink painting Ink wash painting Illustrated letter Tankei inkstone Japanese inkstone Brush Ink Inkstone Paper