From 1993 to 2012, Kobaien released a special edition inkstick set called “Bokufu (記念目録, memorial catalog of inksticks)” to commemorate the long tradition of making inksticks that has continued for over 400 years.
With special permission, ICHI Inc. is now able to sell these Bokufu inkstick sets, which are not currently available in stores. These are more for gifting or as an investment than for practical use.
This is the year 1996 edition.
At Kobaien, the sixth-generation successor Gentai Matsui once made inksticks from old pine trees that had lived for over 1000 years in the Kumano region of Japan, and presented them to the emperor around 1711 AD.
The set of inksticks was named “Osumikishiki ( Inkstick set for the Emperor ) ”. This 1996 special inkstick set from Kobaien is a copy of the design of the memorable inkstick set.
This special inkstick set comes with a certificate of authenticity for Kobaien products issued by Ichi inc. The following is a sample of the certificate.
The actual document will include the date, number and company seal.
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Contents Description
Kougiku
（黄菊）
The meaning of the name of the inkstick:
"Yellow Chrysanthemum"
Width: 35 mm Length: 133.6 mm Thickness: 15.3 mm Weight: 82 grams
This is an inkstick plated with pure gold.
Houzankou
（豊山香）
The meaning of the name of the inkstick:
"The fragrance of the ume ( Japanese plum flower ) is as rich as a mountain. From a waka poem by Ki no Tsurayuki about the ume blossoms."
Width: 24.2 mm Length: 95 mm Thickness: 11.3 mm Weight: 34 grams
This is an inkstick plated with pure gold.
Houzankou ( Circuler )
（豊山香）
The meaning of the name of the inkstick:
"The fragrance of the ume ( Japanese plum flower ) is as rich as a mountain.
Width: 75 mm Length: 75 mm Thickness: 12 mm Weight: 48 grams
Kyuei
（九英）
The meaning of the name of the inkstick:
"Japanese allspice"
Width: 27.4 mm Length: 108 mm Thickness: 13 mm Weight: 45 grams
Kyuei
（棕櫚仙）
The meaning of the name of the inkstick:
"Shurosen"
Width: 33.7 mm Length: 131 mm Thickness: 15.7 mm Weight: 80 grams
Box Size: Width: 310 mm Length: 195 mm Thickness: 40 mm Weight: 762 grams
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The designs of the ink sticks introduced below are taken from old documents related to the production of ink that have been passed down through the generations at Kobaien. Some of the designs are more recent.
**For a detailed description of the included ink, please contact us.
為什麼金箔會附在墨水筆上？
原因有三。
第一個原因當然是墨水的美感。
第二個原因是保存。黃金不受化學變化的影響，因此適合長時間保存油墨的品質。
第三個原因是創作時的實用性。多年來，許多日本書法家都表示，使用塗有金箔的墨水筆所製成的液態墨水更容易畫出柔和的線條。據說金箔顆粒有助於使筆觸更平滑。因此，塗有金箔的墨水筆被認為是書寫日本草書（Kuzushiji）的好幫手。
