Robert De Maria presents about the yatate which was the Japanese pre-modern portable writing instrument or kit in wide use in Japan from about the late thirteenth century to the early twentieth century. Over the centuries as Japan moved toward unity and a distinctive national identity, the yatate remained intertwined with the country's development of its singular culture, traditions and language. The yatate was essential to everyday life and was used by both men and women, pilgrims, warriors, merchants, poets and anyone needing to write on the road.

Robert De Maria began collecting yatate while living and working in Japan and Singapore. During those years he traveled extensively in Asia with an emphasis on East Asia. His interest in Japanese history, literature, folktales and on-going travel complement his collecting.

Connect: Yatate Kokusai - website