硯(すずり)

CALLIGRAPHY EQUIPMENT:

One of the 文房四宝(ぶんぼうしほう) (Four Treasures of the Study):

• 筆(ふで): brush
• 墨(すみ): ink stick
• 硯(すずり): inkstone
• 紙(かみ): paper

STRUCTURE:

A 硯(すずり) typically has:

• 陸(おか)/丘(おか): the flat grinding surface
• 海(うみ)/池(いけ): the depression where the liquid ink collects

QUALITY:

Fine inkstones are prized by calligraphers. Famous varieties include:

• 端渓硯(たんけいけん) from China (Duanxi)
• 雨畑硯(あまはたすずり) from Japan (Yamanashi Prefecture)

USE:
A 墨(すみ) (ink stick) is ground in circular motions on the 硯(すずり) with a small amount of water to produce ink of the desired consistency.