Sumitsubo Japanese Hand made Wooden Inkpot By Takahashi Junichi - 270mm

Brand name: Tsubo Jun (坪順)

Artisan's Name: Takahashi Junichi(高橋順一)

Wood: Japanese zelkova

Weight: 543g

Total length: 270mm

Accessories: a wooden “Karuko”, line and two boxes of cotton.

Additional Information: It is unused and comes from the collection of a retired carpenter in the Tokyo area, purchased about 30 years ago. The sumitsubo (ink pot) is in excellent condition, and the wheel rotates smoothly.

This rare sumitsubo is shaped like the "Uchide no Kozuchi" (Legendary Lucky Mallet). It was handcrafted by the celebrated late master, Takahashi Junichi of Sanjo.

Research indicates that Master Takahashi Junichi was a craftsman of the Kuriyama lineage—one of Sanjo's three great sumitsubo-making traditions—which originally branched from Tokyo's Tsubosei. He was highly renowned for his exceptional skill in crafting "Kawari-gata" (custom/uniquely shaped) ink pots.

When I purchased this sumitsubo, the carpenter also had another ink pot by the famous 3rd-generation Tokyo master, Tsubotoyo. However, my intuition told me that the shaping and carving of the 3rd-generation Tsubotoyo's work could no longer compare to that of the 1st or 2nd generation. In contrast, this particular sumitsubo felt like a true masterpiece to me. Crafted from excellent quality Japanese zelkova (Keyaki) wood, it boasts a beautiful form and exquisite, detailed carving.