Ogatsu Inkstones

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  • Miyagi

Ogatsu Inkstones Ogatsu Suzuri

Ogatsu Inkstones are made from lustrous black Ogatsu slate, prized for its fine surface texture, known as hobo, which allows ink to be ground smoothly and evenly. The stone is hard, durable, and low in water absorption, combining excellent functionality with a dignified natural beauty. It was designated a Traditional Craft by the Japanese government in 1985.

Description

What is Ogatsu Inkstones ?

Ogatsu Inkstones are traditional inkstones produced mainly in the Ogatsu area of Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. They are made from a dark, hard slate known as Ogatsu stone, which artisans carefully carve and polish by hand according to the character of each piece of stone. In 1985, Ogatsu Inkstones were designated as a Traditional Craft by the Japanese government.

One of their most important qualities is the fine texture of the ink-grinding surface, known as hobo. These microscopic irregularities act as the “teeth” of the inkstone, allowing an ink stick to be ground smoothly. Ogatsu stone has a fine and uniform grain, providing a well-balanced grinding surface. Its deep black to dark bluish color and natural sheen are also distinctive characteristics.

Ogatsu stone is strong under compression and bending and has a low rate of water absorption. Because it can also be split into thin sheets, it has long been used not only for inkstones but also as architectural slate, particularly for roofing.

Today, Ogatsu stone is also used to produce plates, coasters, and other tableware and lifestyle products. Traditional inkstones range from pieces that preserve the natural shape of the stone to inkstones with matching stone lids, combining practical function with the distinctive character of the material.

History

The history of Ogatsu Inkstones is traditionally traced back about 600 years to the Muromachi period. By around 1396, stone suitable for inkstones is said to have already been quarried in the area that is now Ogatsu, Ishinomaki City, and the region gradually became known for producing fine inkstones.

During the Edo period, Ogatsu Inkstones developed close ties with the Sendai domain. According to local tradition, sometime between 1615 and 1624, two inkstones from Ogatsu were presented to Date Masamune, lord of the Sendai domain, while he was visiting the Oshika Peninsula area on a hunting trip. Masamune is said to have highly praised them.

The second lord of the domain, Date Tadamune, also valued the craftsmanship of Ogatsu inkstone makers. Craftsmen were taken into the service of the domain, while mountains producing high-quality inkstone material were protected as restricted quarrying areas known as otome-yama. This system helped preserve both the stone resources and the skills of local artisans.

By the late Edo period, Ogatsu Inkstones had become an established regional specialty, produced not only as practical tools for calligraphy but also as refined decorative and presentation pieces. From the Meiji period onward, the easily split layers of Ogatsu stone were also used extensively for architectural slate and writing slates.

On May 22, 1985, Ogatsu Inkstones were designated as a Traditional Craft by the Japanese government.

The Ogatsu area and its inkstone industry suffered severe damage in the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. Production was subsequently rebuilt through the efforts of local craftspeople and supporters. A new Ogatsu Inkstone Traditional Industry Center opened in 2020, and today the region continues both to preserve traditional inkstone-making skills and to develop new products using Ogatsu stone.

Production Process

Ogatsu Inkstones - Production Process Photo：Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Division

  1. 1. Quarrying and Selection
    The process begins with quarrying Ogatsu stone, the raw material used to make Ogatsu Inkstones. Ogatsu stone is a hard, dark slate with a fine and uniform grain. Each piece is carefully inspected for cracks, flaws, and the direction of the stone layers, and only suitable material is selected for inkstone production.
  2. 2. Cutting
    The selected stone is cut to the size and thickness required for the intended inkstone. Craftspeople carefully examine the natural layers and splitting characteristics of the stone while shaping it. For inkstones that retain the natural outline of the material, the original form and character of the stone are taken into consideration when determining the final shape.
  3. 3. Surface Grinding
    The cut stone is placed on a rotating grinding surface and leveled using river sand and water. Uneven areas are gradually removed while the thickness and flatness of the stone are checked. This prepares the surface for the subsequent carving process.
  4. 4. Shaping the Rim
    The outer edge and rim of the inkstone are shaped at this stage. The area used for grinding an ink stick is called the oka, or “hill,” while the recessed area where liquid ink collects is called the umi, or “sea.” Their position and overall balance are carefully considered as the outline of the inkstone is formed.
  5. 5. Rough Carving
    Using chisels designed for stone carving, the artisan roughs out the basic forms of the hill and sea. Because Ogatsu stone is hard, the chisel is firmly supported and the artisan uses the strength of the entire body to carve gradually. The thickness and condition of the stone are constantly checked to prevent cracking or chipping.
  6. 6. Finish Carving
    After the rough form has been established, finer chisels are used to carefully shape the slope and depth between the hill and sea. Even subtle differences in height are adjusted so that liquid ink can flow naturally into the recessed area and the inkstone remains comfortable to use.

    For decorative inkstones, techniques such as fine-line carving and relief carving may also be used to create patterns and ornamental designs on the stone surface.
  7. 7. Polishing
    The carved inkstone is polished in several stages to refine its surface and sides. Chisel marks and minor irregularities are gradually removed using whetstones and other polishing tools.

    On the ink-grinding surface, however, it is important to preserve the microscopic texture known as hobo, which allows the ink stick to be ground effectively. The artisan therefore carefully adjusts the surface without compromising the functional qualities of the stone.
  8. 8. Finishing
    Finally, the overall shape and surface of the inkstone are inspected and finished according to the intended product. Traditional finishing methods include a gloss finish, a yaki finish that produces a more subdued appearance, and a sumi-biki finish in which ink is used to adjust the tone of the stone.

    Each finishing method brings out a different degree of luster, color, and texture, enhancing the deep black tone and natural character of Ogatsu stone. The base and edges are then checked and adjusted to ensure that the finished inkstone sits securely and can be used comfortably.

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