“Bunbou-Shihou (文房四宝)” is a term indicating the four essential items for ink painting. They are calligraphy tools including brush, paper, inkstick, and inkstone. (文房 means “studio,” 四 means “four,” and 宝 means "treasure.”) It is said that people's interest in and appreciation of these stationery items dates back to the Han dynasty (206 BC - 220 BC). These items were introduced to Japan through the Koguryo Dynasty on the Korean peninsula around the 7th century, along with paper manufacturing technology.

Buddhism was one of the reasons that these stationary items became in high demand.  Since these tools were used  for copying sutras, the techniques to make them have also improved.

In addition to  “Bunbou-Shihou,” the items for calligraphy have been valued as art pieces.

This article introduces those items. It can be said that showing extraordinary care even for tools that do not directly affect the art pieces or drawing techniques is an aesthetic that is unique to Oriental art.

ーWater Dropper

As the phrase “Sumi Ni Gosai Ari (墨に五彩あり)” suggests, Sumi ink can express a variety of colors even its ingredients are only soot and animal glue, and the key is water.

For example, when explain the act of “grinding” an ink stick in Chinese character, we write 磨る and pronounce Suru which is the same character used for "polish" which is written 磨くand  pronounced Miigaku.

Especially when beginning to grind insticks, it is very important to add water a little by little on the hill area of the inkstones to adjust moistness. The inksticks are slowly ground and produce thick ink.

From the PIGMENT TOKYO ARTICLES “​​Introduction to Duan Inkstone and She Inkstone”

These water droppers are used for this purpose.


If the proper amount of water is not added and the ink is not properly rubbed on the inkstone, the ink will not be made successfully, or the inkstone will be damaged.

The photo below shows “Water Dropper Round / Blue Flower” and “ Water Dropper Square / Blue Flower” which are available at PIGMENT TOKYO.

They have a very cute shape and are recommended when you want to pour a little bit of water on the inkstone.

Left: Water Dropper Round / Blue Flower

Right: Water Dropper Square / Blue Flower

These are how the design looks from above.

The two holes are made for adjusting the amount of pouring water by closing one of the holes with a finger.

If you have spent time in Japan, you may be familiar with the design of soy sauce bottles.

Water Dropper Round / Blue Flower ¥880 tax included

Water Dropper Square / Blue Flower tax included

For more detailed information on how to grind sumi ink, please also check out our video clip. 

 

【TUTORIAL】Rubbing Sumi Ink-stick/墨の磨り方

There is also a copper water dropper that motif is one of the Chinese spiritual beasts called Xuanwu. The tortoise is a symbol of longevity and immortality, and the snake is a symbol of fertility, both of which are also considered to be messengers of the underworld.

Water Dropper Antique Copper Xuanwu ¥11,000 tax icluede

Up close, you can even see the toenails are carved.

This slightly larger water dropper drop of water is also recommended for adjusting the color tone of ink after grinding on inkstones.

Water Dropper  Oval / Blue Flower tax included　¥2,750 tax included

ーBrush Rests

Brush rests are also available for placing brushes while painting. 

The brush rests made of celadon porcelain and cast iron are small, making them perfect for using less than five brushes.

Brush Holder / Blue porcelain

Small　¥990 tax included

Medium　¥1,320 tax included

Brush Holder / Anguirus Iron Casting¥1,650 tax included

There are also large brush rests made of natural redwood or rosewood. The fascination with calligraphy and painting supplies is that they are not only practical but also visually pleasing.

Brush Holder / Natural Red tree ¥3,850 tax included

Brush Holder / Natural Red tree ¥5,500 tax included

Another name of “Bunbou-Shihou” (文房四宝) is ”Bunbo-Shiyuu” (文房四友). 

文房 means “studio,” 四 means “four,” 宝 means "treasure,” and 友 means “friends.”

Sometimes 友 is used as the fourth letter instead of 宝.

Tools are both treasures to be loved and friends to do good work together.

I hope you will enjoy finding your favorite one at PIGMENT TOKYO.