ISHIMO’s mission is to convey Japan’s stone culture to people and connect it to the future. In our series, exploring the charm of stones, we introduce various domestic stones handled by ISHIMO. Through stone, take the opportunity to explore Japan’s environment and culture and rediscover its beauty.
On today`s blog, we will be excavating Nachiguro stone, uncovering its characteristics and elegance.
What is Nachiguro Stone?
Nachiguro stone (なちぐろいし) is described to have finely grained texture and smooth surface, as well a deep black color. It is exclusively mined in Kamikawa Town, Kumano City, Mie Prefecture. Due to the decreasing production levels year by year, it is considered a rare and valuable stone.
Finely Detailed and Highly Malleable
Nachiguro stone has a hard yet finely textured quality that makes it easy to work with. It has historically been used for items such as black Go stones and ink stones. History recounts envoys bringing the Nachiguro in the form of Go pieces to Tang China as souvenirs during diplomatic services.
Authentic Elegance
As Nachiguro stone is polished, it develops a deep black luster and becomes increasingly more beautiful and radiant. Although there are foreign stones also referred to as Nachiguro stone, their depth of black and fine texture are entirely different. In particular, Kumano-produced Nachiguro stone stands out from black stones sourced from other regions, with a noticeable difference in beauty. For this reason, the authentic Kumano-produced Nachiguro stone is often referred to as “Hon Nachiguro Stone.”
Products Made with Nachiguro Stone
ISHIMO offers chopstick rests made from Nachiguro stone. These small yet striking items are perfect for creating a calm and sophisticated table setting, akin to that of a high-end restaurant. With their simple design, they are easy to use for both everyday meals and special occasions. Each piece is uniquely shaped, highlighting the natural form and texture of the stone.
ISHIMO carefully selects only the most high-quality stone materials from domestic production areas, offering products crafted by traditional artisans and skilled stone masons who continue to uphold traditional techniques passed down through generations. We invite you to take a moment to explore our online shop!