by Art Finkul

Just as rewarding as creating some beautiful calligraphy work using either your calligraphy pen or calligraphy brush may be the creation of good quality calligraphy ink.

A solid ink stick, or Sumi stick is the traditional way ink is purchased by calligraphers and those calligraphers who are planning serious work will always prefer to make their own ink. While there is nothing wrong with buying ready made ink in liquid form, it is acknowledged that it is an inferior product to the ink stick.

To make ink start by pouring some water on the surface of an ink stone, which is also known as a suzuri. The amount of ink that you wish to make will determine how much water to add. The ink stick should always be held perfectly upright when grinding and it is rubbed on the stone in a circular pattern pressing only lightly. The ink will gradually grow blacker and thicker as grinding continues at which point you might have to add some more water.

To determine whether the ink has reached the right consistency, look for oily trails to form on the ink stone. These trails will slowly ooze towards the ink stone's well. Listen to the grinding noise of the ink stick on the surface of the suzuri, the softer, more muffled grinding sound will indicate that the ink is ready to begin your calligraphy work.

The calligrapher's ink stone is a flat grinding stone, usually made of slate with a sloping indentation that that leads to a well where the ink collects. The ink should be ground evenly over the surface of the stone to ensure that the surface maintains an even quality. After each use the ink stone should be washed with plain water using your fingers.

Sumi ink is made from a compressed mixture of soot, water and glue. Sumi sticks are often highly decorated and, to look at them, could be considered works of art. They are however quite delicate and must be looked after because the older the stick gets, the better quality the ink made from them becomes. Although Sumi ink can be bought in a variety of colors, there are two main types : yuen-boku which is a black ink made from lamp soot, and; Shoen-boku which is a slightly bluish ink made from pine soot.

Making calligraphy ink is an art-form in itself and the process allows you to calm your thoughts and get into the right frame of mind to begin your calligraphy work. The quality of the ink you produce will be higher and your finished work will look more vibrant and last longer.  

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Art Finkul