Japanese Brass Yatate – Meiji Period

This is a Japanese brass Yatate from the mid-1800s. The Yatate was a traveling scribe’s or artist’s case, with an inkwell  and a long shaft for holding writing tools and brushes. It was often worn on the sash of a robe. The lid of the inkwell is decorated in 12 symbols representing the Zodiac. Inside, there is the pin that would have held the pointer for a compass. Around the pin are Japanese letters – either a signature or the four points of the compass. The hinged lid of the inkwell keeps the brush (signed on the handle) secure inside along with the original scribe (with a steel end) that is housed at the top of the shaft. The surface of the brass has an abstract watermark finish.

In Yatates, the ink was held by a small piece of absorbent material, such as cotton or silk cloth, placed inside the bulbous end. This cloth would be soaked with ink, allowing the user to dip their brush or pen into it without the ink spilling out. This method made it convenient to carry ink while traveling, as it prevented leaks and ensured a steady supply of ink for writing.