Sumi

"Sumi" is a traditional Japanese ink used primarily in calligraphy and brush painting. Made from soot, usually from pine or oil, it is processed with animal glue to create a solid ink stick. When ground with water on an ink stone, it produces a rich, deep black ink prized for its clarity, depth, and expressive quality. Sumi ink allows artists to achieve subtle gradations and bold strokes, making it a fundamental tool for Japanese art forms that emphasize brushwork and ink’s fluidity.