Thread: Why do some Japanese stones cost so much more than others of the same size?

Why do some Japanese stones cost so much more than others of the same size?

If you go to some of these stone retailers in Japan or on their online internet stores you can look at hundreds of stones, and you know that they most likely have hundreds if not thousands more in storage. Most of the the stones look pretty much the same, but some cost 4 or 5 time more. Why?

Alx

I'm assuming that they were cut from more rare mines. they are also priced based on not only the rareness but the ability to cut and how they perform

Some places charge by the weight as well.

I want to hear Alex's answer to the question!

There is one whole category of these stones that are collectors items in Japan and they are collected for their rarity based on provenance and appearance. These stones sell for 4 figures and up. Then the sellers over there know there is a mania for Japanese stones over here so they get whatever they can for them and unless you really know the seller or are very well versed on the stones you had better watch out. Rarity, size and history will determine the price (or should).

The only Jnats I know of that you still can get dirt cheap is Amakusa, their mine is still open but stones are mostly 1k.

Originally Posted by Lemur

The only Jnats I know of that you still can get dirt cheap is Amakusa, their mine is still open but stones are mostly 1k.

Tamba Aoto are even cheaper, and complete Junk

Originally Posted by alx

Why do some Japanese stones cost so much more than others of the same size?

Cool question Alex )

My guess would be rarity and/or hype. I think we've all seen different items in this sport take on a life of thier own. I've never owned a jnat nor even had a razor honed on one for that matter. Nothing against the guys that do have them, but for me personally I just couldn't see myself shelling out thousands for a stone. It's all relative I guess... some people would think I'm a kook for what I spend on tobacco pipes and crystals...lol.

全く I agree completely. Ok, Eschers are rare. Search on the web and, except from the 5x1" Celebrated, Escher wannabe, stuff, chances are you might or might not find one. Or the French stone. Or the Water of Ayr. Or the Schwedenstein (not sure which is this one, I was just checking my notes) and the list goes on. You will not be able to find any of those.
Then, check the Jnats. You'll find like a million of them with a price 100k¥+ on thousands of vendors. Is this what we call rare? And, all of them are this great? On Christmas I thought about getting one, but after checking their prices, Santa will have to wait another 10 years, and then, he might bring me a new car instead.