Sumi (ink) painting

Sumi painting is a traditional Japanese art form that uses black ink, made from soot and water, applied with brushes onto paper or silk. It emphasizes simplicity, capturing the essence or spirit of a subject through expressive brushwork, often inspired by nature like mountains, trees, or animals. The technique values contrast, fluidity, and the balance of ink and empty space, reflecting Zen philosophical principles. Sumi painting can be meditative and artistically spontaneous, focusing on conveying mood and vitality rather than detailed realism. It is both an art form and a spiritual practice rooted in centuries of cultural tradition.