Description
Known as suzuri in Japan, the ink stone is a flat grinding stone used to make calligraphic ink. It has a sloping indentation that forms a small well at one end. Ink is made by grinding an ink stick on the plain, moistened ink stone. Even with the convenience of modern bottled ink, the traditional method is still favoured by many calligraphers and brush painters. The process of slowly grinding the ink is said to produce more lively shades of ink and have the effect of calming one’s mind.
Other names for the ink stone: suzuri inkstone, sumi ink stone, inkstone, ink grinding stone, grinding slab. The ink stick is also known as a sumi ink stick.
