Akama inkstones - Takumi Japan Online

About Akama inkstones

The history of Akama inkstones dates back to more than 800 years ago. There is a record saying that they were offered to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in 1191. In the Edo period (1603-1868), quarrying of Akama stones was prohibited without permission from the domain lord. For this reason, Akama inkstones were highly valued and were offered as gifts to other domain lords.
●Designated as a Traditional Craft of Japan in 1976

Techniques and developments

Akama stones, the main material of Akama inkstones, are ideal for making inkstones as they are dense and hard, and very sticky, which makes them easy to be engraved. Among five types of Akama stones that have different colors and patterns, reddish-brown Shinunseki stones are the most commonly used.

Akama inkstones today

Akama inkstones can provide fine ink rubs that can produce ink with great color and resilience. A wide range of Akama inkstones are made including imposing round or square one, simple one that utilize the shape of a loose stone, engraved one, one with a lid.