Japanese Sumi Ink Stick  E-mail this product to a friend

More than 3,000 years ago, Asian artisans discovered how to turn the residue from burnt wood into one the most important and lasting substances of human expression, ink. The method of making sumi ink sticks has remained the same for over 1,000 years. Mixing pine soot and vegetable oils with animal or fish glue is molded and dried to form a well-shaped solid block. When this is ground on a Suzuri stone with water, it turns to ink. Sumi ink is unsurpassed for producing the famous five shades of black, renowned in Sumi-e artistry. The subtlety of sumi ink is evident in the variety of tones and values it produces. This sumi ink stone is made in Japan and measures 2" in length. It has Japanese Calligraphy symbols embossed on the stick. Tips on usage of the sumi ink stick: Throw away any left over ink as using it will create inferior tones. Do not leave moisture on the sumi stick. Wipe it immediately with a cloth. Store ink sticks at moderate temperature and humidity.