This is an exquisite Japanese inkstone (Suzuri) crafted from the rare "Wakata stone," harvested from the rugged natural environment of Tsushima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture. Wakata stone is renowned as one of Japan's finest materials, with a prestigious history; it was named "Reiju-ken" by the famous Edo-period scholar Hayashi Razan (1583–1657), and legend says it was even favored by Murasaki Shikibu when she wrote The Tale of Genji. The piece features a "Nozura" (natural surface) finish, showcasing the striking contrast between the raw, organic texture of the outer stone and the perfectly polished, silky smooth grinding surface. The fine-grained quality of Wakata stone allows for exceptional ink dispersion, producing a rich, lustrous ink with minimal effort—a quality often praised by master calligraphers as being "as smooth as applying wax to a hot kettle." Based on the artist's career and the patina of the original box, this piece is estimated to have been created in the late Showa era (circa 1970s–1990s). It is a superb collector's item that combines practical excellence with the aesthetic beauty of Japanese stone carving. Artist Profile: Wakashu II (Osamu Iwasaka) This inkstone was meticulously hand-carved by Wakashu II (Osamu Iwasaka), the second-generation master of the Wakashu-do workshop in Izuhara, Tsushima. The tradition began with the first-generation Wakashu, who started his training in 1920 (Taisho 9) and founded the workshop in 1924 (Taisho 13). The second-generation master, Wakashu II, inherited secret techniques from a young age and has been recognized in numerous prestigious exhibitions, including the "Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition." This workshop carries a legacy of supreme honor, having had the distinction of presenting a Wakata inkstone to the then-Crown Prince (the current Emperor Emeritus) in 1954 (Showa 29). Size Inkstone approx.: H15.5 x W9.5 x D2.0 cm (Weight: 546g) Original Wood Box approx.: H18.5 x W12.0 x D3.5 cm (Total Weight: 650g) Condition: (Please refer to the photos for details) - This is a vintage / pre-owned item. - Due to age and previous use, there may be signs of wear such as scratches, stains, discoloration, or creases. - Please note that vintage items may have a distinctive smell due to long-term storage or materials used. Sensitivity to such odors may vary from person to person and from country to country. - We try to describe the condition as accurately as possible, but perceptions may differ depending on individual standards. - Colors may appear slightly different depending on your monitor or lighting when the photos were taken. - Please purchase only if you understand and appreciate the unique characteristics of vintage items. Shipping The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by mainly Japan Post or DHL depend on the situation. It will be shipped from Japan, so it takes about 2-3 weeks to receive normally. Please understand that we use recycled materials (cardboard, old newspapers, etc.) as much as possible for packaging materials in order to protect the environment. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customs or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer their contact. If you don't, the parcel will be returned to us and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. Thank you for your cooperation.