Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone), produced in Ogatsu Town, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, is a traditional craft with over a thousand years of history. Its smooth writing quality, created by the fine-grained stone texture, is highly valued by calligraphers and enthusiasts.
However, when choosing one for the first time, there are many points you’ll want to know, such as the differences between types, appropriate sizes, and maintenance methods for long-term use.
This article introduces the appeal of Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) while providing detailed information on how to choose, types, and maintenance methods.
Table of Contents
What is Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone)?
Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) is a premium inkstone representing Japan, made from Ogatsu stone produced in Ogatsu Town, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture.
Ogatsu stone is slate formed approximately 230 to 250 million years ago, with a fine-grained and homogeneous texture. Its major characteristics are smooth ink grinding and support for brush strokes.
Inkstone material was already being produced in the 3rd year of Oei (1396) during the Muromachi period, and during the Genna era (1615-1624), it was presented to Date Masamune and received praise, subsequently developing under the patronage of the Date clan. Despite suffering significant damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake, the production area has focused on reconstruction and preservation, raising awareness as a traditional craft.
Combining both practicality and artistry, Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) continues to receive high praise from calligraphers and enthusiasts and can be considered a culturally valuable craft.
Three Major Characteristics of Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone)
Three representative characteristics are essential when discussing Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone).
- First, “excellent ink grinding quality.” Ogatsu stone has fine particles and appropriate hardness, allowing ink to dissolve evenly and finely, producing deep ink colors.
- Second is “durability.” The dense nature characteristic of slate makes it resistant to wear and cracking, and with proper use, it can be used for generations.
- Third is “decorative quality.” In addition to traditional rectangular and round shapes, there are many artistic inkstones with carvings and decorations, making them highly valuable for appreciation while being practical items.
By combining these three elements, Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) has established a special position not just as stationery, but as a tool supporting calligraphy culture.
Understanding Labels and Certificates (Origin, Artist Name, Accessories)
Checking labels and certificates is essential for properly selecting Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone).
First, regarding “origin labeling,” the traditional craft certification mark indicating production from Ogatsu Town, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture is important.
Next is the “artist name.”
Works with the inkstone master’s name clearly indicated have clear technical standards and increase in value from appreciation and collection perspectives.
Also, when purchasing, check whether accessories such as box inscriptions, certificates of authenticity, and dedicated paulownia boxes are included.
These not only substantiate authenticity but are also important elements for storage and gift-giving.
The presence or absence of certificates and accessories directly affects market value, making this a point that collectors and businesses must certainly confirm.
History of Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone)
Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) has over a thousand years of history and has been known as a famous inkstone since the Heian period.
Due to its hard and homogeneous nature, Ogatsu stone was highly valued as inkstone material early on and is said to have been transported to Kyoto and Nara for use in the imperial court and temples.
During the Edo period, it received protection from the Date domain and was distributed nationwide as a specialty product of the Sendai domain, beloved by samurai and literati.
In the modern era, demand expanded with the spread of school education, establishing its position as a nationwide inkstone production area.
Although severely damaged by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, it has achieved reconstruction through the efforts of craftsmen and the community, continuing to weave its history as a traditional craft today.
Origins to Medieval Period: Development as Inkstone Material
The definite history of Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) dates back to the Muromachi period, with records showing that inkstone material was already being produced in the Ogatsu region in the 3rd year of Oei (1396). The dense texture of Ogatsu stone possessed excellent characteristics as inkstone material, increasing its value as domestic inkstone material amid the growing demand for inkstones since the Heian period.
Entering the medieval period, stone cut from the Ogatsu mountains was refined along with processing techniques, eventually establishing a foundation as a production area.
From the Muromachi period to the early Edo period, particularly as Date Masamune used Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) and it was excavated from his tomb, it’s clear that it spread supported by authoritative cultural circles. Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) during this period became the starting point for establishing its reputation as a representative of domestic inkstones.
Edo Period: Protection by the Date Domain and Nationwide Distribution
Entering the Edo period, Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) developed significantly as an industry under the patronage of the Sendai domain (Date domain). Stone quarrying and processing were managed under domain control, and sales channels expanded to Edo and the Kyoto-Osaka region in addition to demand from domain retainers and domain schools.
During this time, in addition to rectangular practical inkstones, ornamental inkstones with carvings and decorations were also made, gaining popularity with the spread of calligraphy culture.
Additionally, the name “Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone)” became known nationwide through sankin-kotai (alternate attendance) and gift-giving, and the production area prospered as a craftsmen’s concentration area.
Through domain backing and the establishment of commercial distribution, Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) solidified its position as one of Japan’s representative inkstone production areas.
Modern to Contemporary: Recovery from the Earthquake and the Future
After the Meiji period, demand for inkstones rapidly increased with the development of the educational system. Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) was widely adopted as school supplies due to its quality and became a familiar presence nationwide.
After the war, demand was maintained through the spread of calligraphy education while its positioning as artistic inkstones was also strengthened.
However, in 2011, Ogatsu Town suffered devastating damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake, and many workshops were lost.
The remaining craftsmen continued activities in various parts of the country while aiming to restart inkstone making along with regional reconstruction.
Currently, traditional craft masters and young successors are being trained, and cultural preservation is progressing through hands-on workshops and exhibitions. Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) is not just a legacy of the past but is once again attracting attention as a craft to be passed on to the future.
Production Process and Techniques of Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone)
The appeal of Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) lies in the material beauty of carefully selected Ogatsu stone and the accumulated craftsmanship that brings out its maximum potential.
The production process is broadly divided into three stages: “quarrying,” “rough cutting and shaping,” and “finishing.”
Expert judgment is required from the stage of cutting out the stone, and each process from rough cutting to shape the inkstone to finishing by polishing the ink grinding surface and edges affects the inkstone’s quality.
The hard and dense Ogatsu stone is difficult to process, requiring delicate tool handling through manual work.
Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) completed through these painstaking processes becomes an exceptional piece combining practicality and appreciation value, evaluated widely from calligraphers to collectors.
Quarrying and Raw Stone Selection
The first step in making Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) is quarrying from the mountains. Ogatsu stone is slate extracted from strata formed approximately 230 to 250 million years ago, and the ideal conditions as inkstone material are dense, hard, and uniform texture.
Craftsmen observe the rock surface and cut out sections with few cracks or impurities.
This selection is extremely important, as even slight cracks or layer irregularities affect the finish, making extensive experience essential. After quarrying, the stone is cut to appropriate sizes and transported to workshops.
Stone selection is said to determine “whether it will become a good inkstone” from the quarrying stage, making raw stone selection a fundamental process for Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) quality.
Rough Cutting (Rough Carving) and Shaping Process
Raw stone transported to workshops is first shaped into the basic form of an inkstone through rough cutting.
The stone is carved flat to create the basic framework of the ink grinding surface (the part for grinding ink), ink pool (the part for holding water), and edges (outer frame).
At this stage, chisels, hammers, grinders, and other tools are used while advancing the carving while discerning the stone’s properties.
Because Ogatsu stone has high hardness, excessive carving risks creating cracks, making the craftsman’s delicate control indispensable.
As shaping progresses, the inkstone’s form begins to emerge, and from here, if it’s a decorative inkstone, preparation moves to applying carvings and decorations.
The higher the precision of rough cutting, the more beautifully the subsequent finishing is determined, making this process an important stage reflecting the inkstone master’s skill.
Finishing and Completion
In the final process, the inkstone’s surface is finely polished to prepare the function for actually grinding ink.
Particularly for the ink grinding surface, the fineness of particles and uniformity of irregularities directly affect ink grinding, so it’s finished smoothly using polishing stones and whetstones.
The edges and back are also carefully polished by hand, and the overall shape is refined.
Furthermore, for premium inkstones, carvings and decorations may be applied, sublimating them into works that combine both practical and artistic aspects. After completion, they are delivered with paulownia boxes and certificates and sent to market as craft items.
Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) completed in this way continues to be loved as an indispensable practical item for calligraphers and as artwork with cultural value for craft collectors.
Ways to Enjoy Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone)
Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) is not limited to being merely calligraphy tools but possesses multifaceted value including practical use, appreciation, and collection. Beyond the functional beauty for grinding ink, there’s the appreciative enjoyment of viewing the stone’s natural scenery and the craftsman’s formative skill, and it’s also valued as a collection object representing the individuality of different production areas and artists.
Because it combines durability as a practical item with artistry as cultural property, diverse ways of enjoying it expand according to the perspective of the user or viewer.
Calligraphy Experience as a Practical Item
The greatest appeal of Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) lies in its excellent “ink grinding quality.”
The dense stone texture allows ink to be ground uniformly, producing ink liquid with depth and transparency, making brush strokes remarkably smooth.
For calligraphers, it’s an important tool that expands expressive range, and even beginners can experience the difference in ink color.
Additionally, because of its excellent durability, it delivers stable performance over long periods.
It’s often used in school education and calligraphy classes, and Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) becomes a reliable partner for enjoying the daily habit of grinding ink.
Charm as Appreciation Item and Interior Decor
Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) also has high value as a craft item that can be enjoyed for display without use.
The stone’s natural patterns and colors, and carvings and forms by craftsmen, are positioned in the realm of fine arts beyond mere stationery.
Those with elaborate carvings as decorative inkstones also exude presence as interior decor in tokonoma alcoves and studies.
Particularly, the stone surface’s expressions that change depending on light direction and the luster of the polished ink grinding surface give deep impressions to viewers.
The duality of functioning as a tool while being established as artwork is a unique way of enjoying Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone).
Collection and Asset Value
Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) enjoys high popularity as a collection object.
Works with production area certificates and works by renowned inkstone masters have stable market value and possess charm as collections.
Particularly, antique works from the Edo and Meiji periods are valued in the art market and are familiar to collectors along with their historical backgrounds.
In recent years, works by new artists after reconstruction and limited editions and commemorative items are also attracting attention.
Because inkstones combining practicality and appreciation value remain for long periods not as mere consumables but as cultural assets, an increasing number of people are collecting them with an eye toward asset value.
Through Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone), you can experience the depth of craft collecting.
Storage, Maintenance, and Repair of Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone)
Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) is a durable craft that can be used for long periods, but to fully bring out its value and pass it on to the next generation, daily handling, storage methods, and appropriate repair responses are essential.
Particularly, the ink grinding surface is an important part that affects ink color quality, so performance greatly changes depending on cleaning and drying methods after use.
Furthermore, when displaying for appreciation purposes or conducting long-term storage, attention to temperature and humidity control and light exposure is necessary.
Even when chipping or wear occurs, restoration is possible by requesting from specialized workshops, allowing it to be revived to a state that can withstand practical use and appreciation again.
Thus, establishing appropriate maintenance and repair systems is an important element that enhances the three values of “using,” “displaying,” and “preserving” Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone).
Daily Handling and Basic Maintenance
The most important thing in daily use of Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) is proper care after use.
After grinding ink, immediately wash off the ink with running water, gently wipe with a soft cloth, and air dry. Detergents and abrasives should be avoided as they may damage the stone texture.
Particularly, the ink grinding surface is precisely finished, so it’s advisable not to rub strongly but to rinse dirt away with water.
Daily accumulation greatly affects the inkstone’s lifespan.
Also, prolonged exposure to humid environments may cause mold or efflorescence on the stone surface, making management in well-ventilated locations important.
Because a cherished inkstone is both a tool and possesses cultural value, handling requires the awareness of not merely cleaning but “nurturing a craft to pass on to the next generation.”
Long-term Storage and Display Considerations
When not using for long periods or storing as a collection, using inkstone-specific paulownia boxes or lacquered storage boxes is optimal.
Paulownia wood has excellent humidity control properties and protects the stone from humidity changes.
When displaying, it’s necessary to avoid direct sunlight and strong spotlights and choose locations with stable temperature and humidity.
If lighting is too strong, the stone surface’s color and luster may change, making an environment where it can be appreciated with soft light ideal.
Also, artistic inkstones and carved works are easily damaged by falls and impacts, so ensuring safety using fixtures and cushioning materials is important.
Furthermore, by simultaneously preserving accessories such as certificates and box inscriptions, the work’s provenance and market value can be guaranteed. By accumulating considerations for long-term storage and display, both appreciation and asset preservation can be achieved.
Repair and Restoration Methods
Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) is an extremely durable craft, but wear of the ink grinding surface and chipping of edges are unavoidable when used for several decades.
Even in such cases, restoration is possible through repair by specialized inkstone masters.
Worn ink grinding surfaces can recover ink grinding quality through re-polishing, and chipped parts can be repaired with lacquer or kintsugi to add new beauty.
Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, production area workshops and cooperatives have been active in repair support, establishing systems to respond to users’ trust.
When requesting repair, it’s reassuring to go through the kiln where purchased or production area cooperatives, where authenticity verification and appropriate methods are selected. Repaired inkstones increase in value not as mere tools but as cultural assets nurtured through time and effort.
Continuing use through repeated repairs can be said to be one of the true pleasures of owning Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone).
Future of Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) and Production Area Initiatives
While Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) boasts a long history, it faced major challenges after the earthquake.
However, in recent years, in addition to traditional inkstone production, future-oriented initiatives are progressing in multiple directions, including design development, new product development, communication to overseas markets, and successor training.
By not only preserving tradition but also incorporating new sensibilities, it appeals to younger generations and overseas users, strengthening its presence as a craft.
These challenges play an important role not limited to industrial reconstruction but bridging regional cultural assets to the future.
Design Development and New Product Development
While traditional Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) centered on practical use as calligraphy tools, in recent years design development has progressed and contemporary products have emerged.
For example, paperweights utilizing the stone’s beautiful texture, interior goods and jewelry are entering the market as products other than inkstones.
This has made it possible to convey the appeal of Ogatsu stone to audiences who don’t practice calligraphy and younger generations.
Collaborations with designers and architects in the design field are also increasing, with examples of adoption as decorative materials for hotels and public spaces.
While based on traditional inkstone techniques, by fusing contemporary design aesthetics, Ogatsu stone is expanding its role from “inkstones for use” to “materials that enrich daily life.”
Overseas Communication and International Evaluation
Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) is attracting attention not only domestically but also in overseas markets.
The Tohoku History Museum provides audio guides in four languages—Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese—confirming high international interest.
Domestically, international design development through collaborations with young designers is also progressing, such as the “Contemporary Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone)” exhibition.
The museum shop at the Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) Traditional Industry Hall sells contemporary Ogatsu stone products such as tableware in addition to traditional inkstones, accommodating visitors with diverse cultural backgrounds.
Michi-no-Eki Kenjono-Sato Ogatsu Ogatsu Suzuri Traditional Industry Hall
- Name: 9:00-16:30
- Opening Hours: 9:00-16:30
- Closed: Tuesdays (excluding holidays) when Tuesday is a holiday, the following day, December 29 – January 3
- Admission: Adults 200 yen (180 yen) Children 100 yen (90 yen) *Adult rates apply to high school students and above, preschool children free
- Location: 2-17 Shimo-Ogatsu, Ogatsu-cho, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture 986-1335
- Website: https://www.ogatsu-suzuri.jp/ogatsu-suzuri-traditional-industry/
Additionally, through English version production of traditional craft illustration maps and multilingual development of video content, Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) is being internationally communicated not just as a craft but as a representative of Japanese culture symbolizing earthquake reconstruction, and its recognition will continue to increase.
Successor Training and Regional Revitalization Collaboration
Most important for the future is successor training. After the earthquake, many workshops suffered damage, but currently traditional craft masters and regional organizations are focusing on training young craftsmen.
Training collaborations with local high schools and universities, inkstone-making experiences for tourists, and other opportunities for the next generation of successors to learn skills are increasing.
Also, as part of regional revitalization, tourism resource development utilizing Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) is progressing, and exhibitions and sales at roadside stations and cultural facilities are also contributing to local economic recovery.
Establishing an environment where successors can work with peace of mind is an important element that connects not only to skill preservation but also to revitalization of the entire region, forming the foundation supporting the future of Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone).
Conclusion
Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) is a famous inkstone representing Japan, inherited from ancient Heian times to the present.
The excellent ink grinding quality from dense Ogatsu stone, durability, and artistic value form a trinity that has been cherished by many people from calligraphers to collectors.
The production area that recovered from the earthquake is working on new design development, overseas communication, and successor training while preserving traditional inkstone making.
Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) is both an excellent practical tool and a craft symbolizing Japanese culture, and its appeal deepens through continued use. Looking toward the future, Ogatsu Suzuri (inkstone) can be said to be a craft that, beyond being a “calligraphy tool,” expands new value as a cultural asset.
