Suzuri Inkstone (Ogatsu)

Black slate inkstones from Miyagi with over 600 years of tradition.

Ogatsu suzuri are inkstones carved from the distinctive black slate quarried in Ogatsu, Miyagi Prefecture, with a history of over 600 years. The fine-grained, dense stone produces an exceptionally smooth grinding surface ideal for preparing sumi ink for calligraphy and painting. Each inkstone is hand-carved by artisans who shape the stone and create decorative relief carvings on the lid. The 2011 tsunami devastated Ogatsu's coastal workshops, but surviving craftsmen have rebuilt and continue this cherished tradition.