Inkstone in the Form of a Koto
Unknown Artist
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.
Credit: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Stone
1600s
Stoneware with underglaze iron decoration (shino ware, mino type)
4.4 x 19.2 x 7.0 cm
1971.168
Image and text: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 2023
Where you'll find this
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Permanent collection