SUMI-E Ink

The following inks are used:

• Inkstick
  • It is made from fine black pine soot, with gelatine, molded into a stick. It is usually decorated with characters and or ornaments.
• Inkstone
  • It is made of a hard, fine textured stone. It comes in various shapes and sizes and is often decoratively engraved.
• Bottled charcoal ink
  • It is already prepared ink, available in various bottle sizes.

As you can see on the above picture, the ink stick/stone has to be rubbed with a small amount of water on the container, called suzuri. This way you prepare the right solution of ink for your art work.