5:15 PM - 7:15 PM
[HGG03-P03] Assessing the Gendani Quarry for Tosa-suzuri inkstone production in Kochi, Japan: integrated conservation of geosite and traditional craft
Keywords:Tosa-suzuri inkstone, Gendani Quarry, traditional craft , geoconservation
Inkstones, made from natural sedimentary rocks, are traditional writing or drawing tools widely used in East Asian Countries. Recognized as one of the Four Treasures of the Study (paper, brush, inkstick, and inkstone), inkstones have historically played a fundamental role in the culture of these countries1. The production of inkstones begins with the extraction of rock slabs from the inkstone quarries, thus the source rock outcrop for inkstone represents a notable geosite for continuing this traditional craft. The mining activities require skills to assess and extract adequate rocks for inkstone production by experienced craftspeople. In addition, the operations should be conducted based on the collaboration with local community including the approval of the residents and government authorities. Consequently, traditional inkstone craftmanship is inherently linked to a geoconservational activity2.
Unfortunately, however, mining activities have ceased at many inkstone quarries in recent decades. One reason is the deterioration of the outcrop due to continuous operations over the tens to hundreds of years3. Furthermore, the mass-production of “inkstones” made from artificial materials such as plastic and ceramic4, has led to a decline in both the demand for and production of natural rock inkstones. The abandoned outcrop now faces issues such as weathering and/or soil erosion, that could cause significant damage to geosites5, raising concerns about the conservation of these geoheritage sites and the related traditional craft.
In Mihara Village, Kochi Prefecture (Japan), the Gendani quarry has been a key geosite for excavating Miharaishi slate, essential for the production of traditional craft Tosa-suzuri inkstone6. However, due to decreasing demand for the natural rock inkstones, Miharaishi slate extraction has been inactive over thirty years. The discontinuation of the quarrying activity led to the degradation of the outcrop, raising concerns about its preservation. This study investigated the current state of the Gendani Quarry and previously unpublished photographs of the outcrop. We could reveal (1) weathering processes of the quarry due to the prolonged cessation of quarrying activities and (2) the environmental impacts of historical quarrying activities. Additionally, we could document the traditional methods employed for Miharaishi slate extraction, which are now at risk of lost. Our study underscores the need for interconnected approaches of geological and cultural aspects to conserve the geoheritage site and its associated craftmanship. Sustainable utilization of slate resources in collaboration with the local community can ensure the continuation of Tosa-suzuri inkstone craftmanship in the future.
References: 1. Ren et al., 2019, Herit. Sci.; 2. Prosser, 2019, Geoheritage; 3. Yamaguchi 2000, Sumi; 4. Hino, 2022, Sumi; 5. Bonini 2023, Heritage; 6. Uramoto et al., 2023, J. Geol. Soc. Japan.
Unfortunately, however, mining activities have ceased at many inkstone quarries in recent decades. One reason is the deterioration of the outcrop due to continuous operations over the tens to hundreds of years3. Furthermore, the mass-production of “inkstones” made from artificial materials such as plastic and ceramic4, has led to a decline in both the demand for and production of natural rock inkstones. The abandoned outcrop now faces issues such as weathering and/or soil erosion, that could cause significant damage to geosites5, raising concerns about the conservation of these geoheritage sites and the related traditional craft.
In Mihara Village, Kochi Prefecture (Japan), the Gendani quarry has been a key geosite for excavating Miharaishi slate, essential for the production of traditional craft Tosa-suzuri inkstone6. However, due to decreasing demand for the natural rock inkstones, Miharaishi slate extraction has been inactive over thirty years. The discontinuation of the quarrying activity led to the degradation of the outcrop, raising concerns about its preservation. This study investigated the current state of the Gendani Quarry and previously unpublished photographs of the outcrop. We could reveal (1) weathering processes of the quarry due to the prolonged cessation of quarrying activities and (2) the environmental impacts of historical quarrying activities. Additionally, we could document the traditional methods employed for Miharaishi slate extraction, which are now at risk of lost. Our study underscores the need for interconnected approaches of geological and cultural aspects to conserve the geoheritage site and its associated craftmanship. Sustainable utilization of slate resources in collaboration with the local community can ensure the continuation of Tosa-suzuri inkstone craftmanship in the future.
References: 1. Ren et al., 2019, Herit. Sci.; 2. Prosser, 2019, Geoheritage; 3. Yamaguchi 2000, Sumi; 4. Hino, 2022, Sumi; 5. Bonini 2023, Heritage; 6. Uramoto et al., 2023, J. Geol. Soc. Japan.