Fukui Blue (Fukui Prefecture) [Famous Japanese Stone]

Fukui Blue

Fukui Blue

Echizen stone discovered by Emperor Keitai.
The fierce general Shibata Katsuie loved this "Ao" stone so much that he is said to have had the roof of his castle covered with Shakudani stone.
It is mainly mined in the Asuwa area of ​​Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, and the stone quality of the Shakudani area at the foot of the mountain on the northwest side is particularly excellent, hence the name Shakudani stone.
It also turns a deep blue when wet.
This stone was loved by the Asakura clan, who ruled Echizen Province, and was used for stone coffins and stone monuments during the Kofun period, about 1,500 years ago.
Mining ceased in 1999, and there is now little in circulation.
It is said to be a stone that gives passion and charisma and leads to victory.

It is mainly collected around Mount Asuwa in Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture. Because the quality of the stone in the Shakudani area at the foot of the mountain on the northwest side was excellent, it was named Shakudani stone. When it gets wet with water, it turns into deep blue. In ancient times, the Asakura clan ruled Echizen Province during the Kofun period about 1,500 years ago. It was a beloved stone and was also used in sarcophage. Since the mining ended in 1999, the distribution is now decreasing. It is said that Emperor Keitai discovered this stone. It is said that Katsuie Shibata loved the blue color of this stone so much that he covered the roof of his castle with it.