Original Japanese Ink Stones — slate

These Original Japanese Ink Stones are made of dark grey slate. They are used to grind Chinese or Japanese ink sticks — sumi ink in solid form — with a little water to produce liquid ink.

This ink is traditionally used for classical calligraphy and sumi-e techniques. In China, inkstones were traditionally considered — alongside brushes, ink and paper — to be among the essentials of every scholar!

TIP! Lithographic ink in stick form can also be rubbed on an inkstone such as these.

These rectangular Original Japanese Ink Stones are available in two sizes: approx. 7.4 cm x 13.2 cm x 2.4 cm — perfect for beginners & students, and approx. 9 cm x 15.2 cm x 2.5 cm — perfect for professionals. Each stone has a raised, flat rubbing area — the part where you rub the ink stick to turn it into liquid ink — and a lower, sloping ink well.

➽ How to use an inkstone:

• place a folded cloth under the inkstone to make it more stable
• apply a few drops of water to the upper, flat rubbing surface of the inkstone
• rub the ink stick with light pressure in a circular motion through the water — preferably using the entire rubbing surface
• when the ink has the desired consistency, use the ink stick to push the liquid ink into the lower inkwell of the inkstone
• do not make more ink than you will use in one session, as prepared ink cannot be stored
• dry the ink stick with a cloth or paper and put it away again

Price per stone.