{"product_id":"natural-whetstone-tamba-kozaki-41kg-84137","title":"Natural Whetstone Tamba Kōzaki 41kg | Made in Japan, Kyoto, Shohonyama","description":"\u003cp\u003eKōzaki Shōhonyama Awasedo – 41kg\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApprox. 300 × 250 × 200 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn authentic Japanese natural finishing stone (Awasedo) from the historic Kōzaki area of Kameoka, Kyoto. Although Kōzaki is widely recognized for its Aoto production, true finishing-grade Awasedo were extracted only on rare occasions, making surviving examples highly sought after among serious collectors of Japanese natural stones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis extraordinary monolithic specimen weighs approximately 41 kg and originates from a private collection assembled by a prominent Kyoto natural stone collector, where it was preserved as a treasured family heirloom. Specimens of this scale and provenance have become exceptionally difficult to acquire since the Kōzaki mines ceased operation between the late 1970s and early 1980s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sharpening surface retains both the original Matsunoki (Pine Tree) stamp and the official Shōhonyama Awasedo (正本山合砥) seal issued by the Kyoto Natural Whetstone Association. These historical markings provide important provenance and verify the stone's classification as a certified finishing-grade Awasedo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProfessional omote-naoshi (surface flattening) was performed while preserving the original stamps, revealing a remarkably clean internal structure free from problematic hard veins and structural cracks. Combined with its immense size, ultra-hard density, and traditional craftsmanship, this specimen represents an exceptional surviving example of Kyoto sharpening stone history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications \u0026amp; Features\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Origin: Kōzaki, Shōhonyama, Kameoka, Kyoto, Japan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Type: Natural Finishing Stone (Awasedo)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Grade: Certified Shōhonyama Awasedo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Dimensions: Approx. 300 × 250 × 200 mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Weight: Approx. 41,000 g (41 kg)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Hardness: Ultra-Hard (Chō-Kō)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Condition: Vintage stock specimen with professionally flattened surface and verified suji-free internal structure\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Protection: Sides and bottom sealed by Ishisan to protect exposed Suita layers; sharpening surface remains raw and untouched\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Additional Features: Original Matsunoki stamp, Kyoto Natural Whetstone Association seal, hand-split construction, Nokome-Nashi craftsmanship, natural stone skin preserved on the underside\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerformance \u0026amp; Application\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Ultra-hard, high-density sharpening surface\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Glassy texture with exceptional structural stability\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Produces clean cream-colored slurry when raised with a #1000 diamond plate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Smooth sharpening feedback despite extreme hardness\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Excellent edge refinement potential for advanced finishing work\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Highly resistant to wear and scratching\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Distinctive dark purple and black mineral patterning emerges when wet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommended For\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Kitchen Knives\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Carpentry Tools\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Straight Razors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Professional Sharpeners\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Advanced Collectors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Museums \u0026amp; Institutional Collections\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollector's Note\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge-format Kōzaki Awasedo specimens are seldom encountered, particularly examples retaining original certification stamps, documented provenance, and verified internal quality. The closure of the Kōzaki mines permanently limited supply, making substantial surviving examples increasingly scarce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of the original Matsunoki stamp, official Kyoto Natural Whetstone Association Shōhonyama Awasedo seal, and confirmed suji-free structure significantly enhances the historical and collector value of this piece. Equally noteworthy is its traditional hand-split construction, preserving details rarely found on stones of this magnitude.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt approximately 41 kg, this specimen exists in a category far beyond ordinary sharpening stones. Its scale, provenance, rarity, and preservation make it suitable as a centerpiece for elite collections, museums, exhibitions, and institutions dedicated to Japanese craftsmanship and sharpening history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthentic Kyoto Kōzaki Shōhonyama Awasedo with original Matsunoki and official Kyoto Association seals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonumental 41 kg specimen featuring verified suji-free structure, ultra-hard density, and exceptional provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRare hand-split stone preserved from a distinguished Kyoto private collection and family heirloom holding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn investment-grade Japanese natural whetstone offering extraordinary rarity, historical significance, and world-class collector appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"DAIKUDOU","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44564345126954,"sku":null,"price":18000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/5787\/8570\/files\/il_fullxfull.7262842190_4axa_c0193bbb-95ad-4fc0-b0ea-bf83cea19dfa.jpg?v=1783923974","url":"https:\/\/daikudou.com\/products\/natural-whetstone-tamba-kozaki-41kg-84137","provider":"DAIKUDOU","version":"1.0","type":"link"}