Inkstone Collection

Hanamurasaki of the Kadotamaya, from the series Six Flowery Immortals... c. 1794/95. Creator: Hosoda Eishi
Hanamurasaki of the Kadotamaya, from the series Six Flowery Immortals of the Pleasure Quarters (Seiro bijin rokkasen), c. 1794/95

The Courtesans of the Chojiya on Display in the Daytime (Chojiya hirumise), c. 1796 / 98
The Courtesans of the Chojiya on Display in the Daytime (Chojiya hirumise), c. 1796/98

Potted adonis with writing implements, 1800. Creator: Hishikawa Sori
Potted adonis with writing implements, 1800

The Actors Sawamura Sojuro II and Ichimura Kichigoro in Unidentified Roles, c. 1768 / 70
The Actors Sawamura Sojuro II and Ichimura Kichigoro in Unidentified Roles, c. 1768/70

Tachibana no Hayanari preparing to make the first writing of the New Year, 1823

China and Russia (Nankin, Oroshiya), 1860. Creator: Utagawa Hiroshige II
China and Russia (Nankin, Oroshiya), 1860

The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII and woman watching boy write first calligraphy of the New Year, 1831
The actor Ichikawa Danjuro VII and a woman watching boy write first calligraphy of the New Year, 1831

Memorial portrait of the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi, 1861. Creator: Utagawa Yoshiiku
Memorial portrait of the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi, 1861

Model of an Inkstone, Tang dynasty (618-907), first half of 8th century. Creator: Unknown
Model of an Inkstone, Tang dynasty (618-907), first half of 8th century

Inkstone in the Form of a Double-Headed... Han dynasty or six dynasties period, c
Inkstone in the Form of a Double-Headed Turtle, Han dynasty (206 B.C.-221 A.D.) or six dynasties period (220-589), c. 3rd-5th century A.D

Two Chinese Scholars Practicing Calligraphy in Their Studio, ca. 1840. Creator: Unknown
Two Chinese Scholars Practicing Calligraphy in Their Studio, ca. 1840

A Lady About to Write a Poem, ca. 1820. Creator: Gakutei
A Lady About to Write a Poem, ca. 1820

The Chinese Calligrapher Boying (Japanese: Hakuei; also known as the Sage of Cursive
The Chinese Calligrapher Boying (Japanese: Hakuei; also known as the " Sage of Cursive Script" ); " Inkstone" (Suzuri)

Emperor Xuanzong (Japanese: Genso) and Daoist Magician Lo Gongyuan Arising from an Inkstone; " Ink" (Sumi), from Four Friends of the Writing Table for the Ichiyo Poetry Circle

Emperor Xuanzong Japanese Gensō Daoist Magician Lo Gongyuan Arising
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Inkstone: A Timeless Tool for Artistic Expression Throughout history, the inkstone has played a vital role in the world of art and calligraphy. From ancient China to 19th-century Japan, this humble yet essential tool has been cherished by artists and scholars alike. One exquisite example is Hanamurasaki of the Kadotamaya from the series Six Flowery Immortals. . C. 1794/95 by Hosoda Eishi. This captivating artwork showcases a courtesan delicately grinding ink on an inkstone, her skilled hands transforming raw materials into a medium for creative expression. Another fascinating depiction can be found in The Courtesans of the Chojiya on Display in the Daytime (Chojiya hirumise), c. 1796 / 98. Here, we witness courtesans engaging with their clients during daylight hours while an elegant inkstone sits prominently on display—a symbol of refinement and intellectual pursuits. The Potted adonis with writing implements from 1800 by Hishikawa Sori presents us with a still life composition where an inkstone takes center stage alongside brushes and other tools. This artwork reminds us that behind every stroke of calligraphy lies careful preparation and attention to detail. Moving onto theatrical scenes, The Actors Sawamura Sojuro II and Ichimura Kichigoro in Unidentified Roles, c. 1768 /70 captures two actors engaged in intense performance while an ornate inkstone rests nearby—an emblematic reminder that even within dramatic moments, artistic creation remains at hand. Tachibana no Hayanari preparing to make the first writing of the New Year from 1823 portrays a nobleman poised before his desk adorned with various writing instruments including an elegant inkstone—signifying reverence for tradition as he embarks upon new beginnings through his written words.