The <i>Miharaishi</i> slate in Kochi Prefecture, Japan: Geological features of the source rock for Tosa-suzuri inkstone of Gendani

DOI Web Site Research Data 5 References
  • Uramoto Go-Ichiro
    Center for Advanced Marine Core Research, Kochi University Present address: Marine Core Research Institute, Kochi University
  • Nakamura Riko
    Department of Marine Resource Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University Present address: Department of Agriculture and Marine Science, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Science, Kochi University
  • Asayama Kota
    Department of Marine Resource Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University Present address: Oyo Co., Ltd.
  • Iki Kazuya
    Mihara-suzuri Inkstone Artisans’ Guild
  • Tadai Osamu
    Marine Works Japan, Ltd.
  • Hamada Yohei
    Kochi Institute for Core Sample Research, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (X-star, JAMSTEC)
  • Tanikawa Wataru
    Kochi Institute for Core Sample Research, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (X-star, JAMSTEC)
  • Hirose Takehiro
    Kochi Institute for Core Sample Research, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (X-star, JAMSTEC)

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • 土佐硯（源谷坑）源岩「三原石」の地質学的特徴

Abstract

<p>Tosa-suzuri inkstone of Gendani, a traditional craft product of Kochi Prefecture, Japan, has been produced in Mihara Village, Hata District, using the Miharaishi slate that occurs in the Shimanto Belt. The slate-bearing sequence was thought to be Cretaceous in age. The slate is known for its fine texture that is ideal for grinding inksticks, and contains a copper-colored powder called “golden stars” that enhances the beauty of the inkstone. However, the geological characteristics of the slate have received little scientific attention. Based on a literature survey, the slate-bearing sequence is estimated to be middle Eocene-early Miocene in age. X-ray diffraction analyses show that the main minerals in the slate are muscovite and quartz, and X-ray spectroscopy identified pyrite as the main mineral in the golden stars. Microtomographic and electron microscopic observations show step-like microstructures on the surface of the inkstone, particularly at the edges of clay minerals, that may be favorable structures for grinding inksticks. The geological characteristics of the Miharaishi slate are similar to those of the source rocks of high-quality inkstones in other areas of Japan and China.</p>

Journal

References(5)*help

See more

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top