Chinese ink sticks

Chinese ink sticks are traditional solid ink blocks made from soot, animal glue, and sometimes aromatic materials. They are crafted by grinding the stick on an inkstone with water to produce ink for calligraphy and painting. The quality of an ink stick depends on the soot's purity and the manufacturing process, resulting in different shades and textures. These sticks are valued for their rich, deep black color and the control they offer artists over ink consistency. Their use connects centuries of Chinese artistic and cultural traditions, making them both functional tools and cultural artifacts.