The history of Iyo whetstones dates back to as early as 760 AD, when they were recorded as being used to carve a statue of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. This marks the first mention of a whetstone in official documents, making it the oldest in Japan.
However, the extraction of Iyo whetstone, renowned as Japan's oldest natural whetstones, came to an end around the late Showa era. The decline in demand for sharpening stones, coupled with fatal accidents from successive collapses, led to the cessation of mining activities.
Entering the Heisei era, the culture of sharpening knives with whetstones has been fading. To preserve Japan's beautiful cultural heritage, the production of Iyo whetstones was resumed about 50 years after the closure of the original quarry. However, instead of mining from the original mountain, extraction commenced from a new location several kilometers away, leading to a rebranding as iyo-meito from iyo-toishi.
This is the Iyo-Meito, which encapsulates 1,300 years of history and the workings of the eternal earth.
The whetstones from Iyo in Ehime Prefecture, made from lava, are not only excellent for sharpening but are also admired for their natural beauty, with varying colors and patterns.
While they make for wonderful interior decor, reminiscent of Japan’s wabi-sabi, when displayed alongside knives, why not experience a higher quality of life by sharpening your kitchen knives with these Japanese natural whetstones?
about shipping.
Free on Board only.
Because they are natural stones, there is a possibility of cracking due to temperature fluctuations, changes in humidity, or impact. After use, wipe off any moisture and wrap the whetstone in cloth before storing it in a dry place.
No complaints and No returns.
Thank you.
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