Yatate Sales

Most of the yatate on this page are not fancy, but are of value to those looking for a practical tool, a way to use a real brush with real sumi on location -- with a touch of class. Many have scratches and dings, and could use a good cleaning and polishing (unless you want to keep the patina intact).

Regarding the age of these yatate, the people who sell them to me usually don't know. Any time between the Meiji era and the Showa era would be a safe guess. Don't expect many Edo era relics at these prices.

Brushes are not included with these (unless the individual description says otherwise) but bamboo brushes are easy enough to order on the web. The brush has to be fairly slim. Just visit your local art store, yatate in hand, and try the brushes for size (You and your yatate will be a big hit). You will probably have to cut down the length of the brush handle.

Fill the inkpot with cotton and then pour in liquid sumi (boku-ju) or sumi ground on an ink stone. Fill it just to the point where it is saturated but doesn't drip when turned upside down.

Yatate are interesting to look at, and you may appreciate access to the photos even if the yatate are no longer available. So after I sell them, the photos go to the sold page for your reference.

For more information on the yatate, see this article.

I sometimes have Japanese Yatate for collectors up for auction on eBay.

Ordering information and shipping fees are at the bottom of this page.


Yatate 054$40.00
Plus shipping

Material: Brass
Length: 17 centimeters
Weight: 81 g
Description: Good size for carrying around everywhere. Additional compartment in top of handle for a small paper knife or other tool (not included).

More photos


Yatate 057$40.00
Plus shipping

Material: Copper
Length: 19 centimeters
Weight: 131 g
Description: Standard yatate ready for use. Round flat ink pot design. Good size for carrying around.

More photos


Yatate 065$75.00
Plus shipping

Material: Copper
Length: 21 centimeters
Weight: 126 g
Description: Big heavy, solid design.

More photos



Yatate 067$75.00
Plus shipping

Material: Brass
Length: 20.3 centimeters
Weight: 155 g
Description: Heavy, solid design. Comes with bamboo paper knife in its own compartment.

More photos


Yatate 071$40.00
Plus shipping

Material: Brass
Length: 22 centimeters
Weight: 155 g
Description: Heavy and solid brass. Brush slides through opening in front of ink pot. Lid has a corresponding smaller hole which may have been for a latch at one time.

More photos


Yatate 073$40.00
Plus shipping

Material: Brass
Length: 21.3 centimeters
Weight: 141 g
Description: Solid and heavy brass.

More photos


Yatate 078$40.00
Plus shipping

Material: Brass
Length: 21.7 centimeters
Weight: 112 g
Description: Long, solid brass yatate with a latch on the lid to keep it securely closed when not in use. The brush slides through the opening in the front of the ink pot. There's a spot of green patina on the handle near the end, and the end piece of the handle is attached very crooked, and looks like it was repaired at some point in time.

More photos


Yatate 080$40.00
Plus shipping

Material: Copper
Length: 18.5 centimeters
Weight: 124 g
Description: Solid and heavy heavy copper yatate with sturdy hinge and lid that snaps shut. On one side of the ink pot is a split that has been repaired with solder. On top of the handle is a spot that seems darker and redder than the rest, and in the senter is a shiny spot. Other spots and scratches on this old yatate as well.

More photos


How to order:
E-mail me (Russ) at r...@stutler.cc to inquire about the yatate's availability. Then go ahead and make payment. I will send your yatate out within the week. The shipping fee will depend upon where you live.

Shipping Fees
EMS (International Express Mail Service)
Asia N. America
Australasia		 Europe
Middle East		 S. America
Africa
For one item $12.00 $15.00 $18.00 $20.00

Fast shipping from Japan (usually within a week -- barring customs inspection delays) handled by postal service as high priority mail, includes tracking number, and is insured against loss, theft, damage. Note: I have no control over customs inspectors in your country, so please do not hold me responsible for customs delays.

Standard air mail (not recommended, but available as an option)

$4.00 for each item regardless of country.

Comes with no tracking and no insurance. Packages usually arrive in a week, but can take several months. Some have disappeared. If you choose standard airmail, please do not hold me responsible for delayed or lost packages.

Payment Options:

  • Paypal
  • Postal International Money Orders (from the post office)
  • Cash (USD) sent at the buyer's risk