Ogatsu Inkstone_Brand Page: 600 Years of Tradition in Japanese Stoneware

Ogatsu Inkstone Producton and Sales Cooperative Association

The Ogatsu Inkstone Production and Sales Cooperative Association is an organization dedicated to producing and selling Ogatsu stone products, traditional Japanese crafts. Ogatsu stone, a traditional rock famed for its beautiful black hue, originates from Ogatsu town in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. The cooperative produces items like Ogatsu inkstones and stone plates, preserving the over 600-year-old inkstone crafting techniques, contributing to the revitalization of the local economy and the inheritance of traditional culture. However, the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011, caused devastating damage to the production area, temporarily making production difficult. With support from volunteers nationwide, the cooperative successfully resumed the production of Ogatsu inkstones.

Ogatsu Stone

Ogatsu stone, also known as "Gensho stone" meaning "beautiful black," is a traditional Japanese rock mined in Ogatsu town, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. This hard, black phyllite, geologically dating back about 200 to 300 million years, is known for its pure black appearance, resistance to compression and bending, and low water absorption rate, ensuring durability over long periods. The history of Ogatsu stone dates back to 1396 (Muromachi period), where it has been used for over 600 years as "Ogatsu inkstones," a traditional craft used in calligraphy for grinding ink. Ogatsu stone, with its unique characteristics, long history, and beauty, represents Miyagi Prefecture as a traditional craft, with its value and tradition continuing in modern times.

Characteristics of Ogatsu Stone

Ogatsu stone crafts, made from ancient black phyllite, blend beauty with practicality. These products stand out for their pure black color, durability, low water absorption, and chemical resistance. Notably, Ogatsu stone plates feature uniform texture, gloss, and exceptional thermal retention, scientifically proven to surpass ceramic plates in maintaining temperatures, enhancing their practical and unique value.

The manufacturing Process

Ogatsu stone products undergo a traditional, detailed production process. Starting with open-pit mining, stones are chosen based on size and shape, then cut. These are smoothed on a grinding machine with river sand and water, shaped into inkstones, tableware, and crafts, and finely polished. Traditional finishing techniques highlight the unique texture and beauty of Ogatsu stone, giving the products their distinct charm.

The Value of Ogatsu Stone

Ogatsu stone, leveraging its properties, has also become popular as slate material for roofing and other building materials, even used in the Tokyo Station building. Recently, there has been a focus on manufacturing lifestyle-oriented craft products and developing tableware. Ogatsu stone plates, crafted by artisans based on 600 years of tradition and skill, have gained high acclaim as tableware both domestically and internationally.