Sumi Ink

Sumi ink is a traditional Japanese ink made from soot, usually from pine or oil lamps, combined with water and a binder. It is known for its rich, deep black color and smooth, consistent flow. Artists and calligraphers use Sumi ink for its expressive qualities, allowing for both bold strokes and delicate lines. It is commonly used in East Asian ink painting and calligraphy, valued for its permanence and the subtle gradations it can produce. Sumi ink can be purchased in solid ink sticks that are ground on an inkstone with water or as pre-made liquid ink.