Inkstone in the Form of a Koto
Unknown Artist
1600s
Medium
Stoneware with underglaze iron decoration (Shino ware, Mino type)
Dimensions
4.4 × 19.2 × 7 cm
Classification
Ceramic
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Stone
Accession Number
1971.168
About this artwork
This hollow ink stone shaped like a musical instrument called a koto reflects the witty idea that music can inspire writing. The koto’s string and bridge were incised into the clay and then painted with underglaze iron pigment.