Aji stone is a high-quality granite quarried in the towns of Mure and Aji at the foot of Mt. Goken, located in the eastern part of Takamatsu City (Kagawa Prefecture). Quarrying began in the Heian period, and the area developed rapidly after it became a quarrying ground for the Takamatsu domain in the Edo period. Aji stone is composed of tiny crystals of quartz, feldspar, mica, and other minerals. Because Aji stone is very hard and dense, it can be carved into intricate details. It gained worldwide acclaim after being praised by sculptor Isamu Noguchi. In recent years, Aji stone has been used not only for traditional items such as gravestones, statues, lanterns, and stone mills, but also for lighting fixtures, tableware, and other products.