Japanese Yatate

Crafted from copper with a silver knob, this Japanese yatate features two essential components seamlessly joined.

On one side, a bulbous, lidded reservoir holds the ink. Unlike the elaborate process of grinding solid sumi ink on an inkstone, this yatate offered a more convenient solution for those on the move. The reservoir would have been filled with a supply of liquid ink, often thickened to prevent spills. The interior likely contained a wad of cotton or silk fibers. These absorbent materials acted like a sponge, soaking up the ink to prevent sloshing and control the flow when the brush was dipped. They also helped to slow down the ink’s evaporation, ensuring it remained usable for longer.

Extending from the ink reservoir is a long, cylindrical tube – the brush holder. This secure compartment was designed to protect the delicate calligraphy brush when not in use. A slot near the junction allowed the brush handle to slide in and be held firmly.

To use this portable writing set, one would simply draw the brush from its holder and dip the tip into the ink reservoir. The fibers inside would release a controlled amount of ink, ready for application to paper. Whether for official documents, personal correspondence, or artistic endeavors, the yatate provided a self-contained and efficient way to write. Once finished, the brush would be cleaned and returned to its holder, and the ink reservoir sealed with its lid.

Adding a personal touch to this yatate are the inscribed characters: 高長. Read as Takanaga, this most likely represents a personal name – perhaps the skilled artisan who created it. The individual characters themselves carry the meanings of tall (高) and long (長).