Yatate are the combination ink well and writing instrument from Medieval Japanese history. Translated literally as "arrow stand", yatate were carried into battle slung from the sashes (obi) around the waists of Samurai warriors. Ink stones had originally been tucked away in the actual quivers of arrows carried by these warriors. Later, when a separate apparatus came into broad use, the name "arrow stand" or yatate endured.
Written messages from the battlefield were a necessity in order to coordinate fighting forces. They also provided the luxury of communicating with loved ones during less critical moments. No doubt, the wearing of yatate was somewhat of a status symbol as well. People wearing yatate were immediately identified as being educated and literate.
In those days, ink (sumi) was made by grinding a certain kind of dark stone and then mixing the fine powder with water. The writing instrument consisted of a bamboo stick that served as a brush. This bamboo brush could be either sharpened to a fine point or left blunt for broad strokes. Therefore, multiple brushes were often carried.
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The dilemma for the carrier of yatate in the field was whether to stop long enough to grind out fresh ink, or to risk spilling the completed product on clothing. The solution was to soak the ink in a cotton or silk ball (sometimes cloth) contained within the ink pot, which usually would open via a hinged lid.
The entire ensemble often looked like a smoking pipe set. Some brushes doubled in a pinch as defensive stabbing weapons.
Dating to the Kamakura era of the 12th Century, yatate were not only used in military settings. Artists and calligraphers regularly used yatate. Many fine literary works from the Edo period were written with yatate.
Variations of the yatate saw them elaborately decorated. Many also carried tweezers, rulers, and small knives for sharpening the bamboo brushes.
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