Sumi Ink Stick — traditional solid ink to be diluted on stone.
Black ink stick used in calligraphy,
sumi-e
and ink painting.
A few drops of water are enough to gradually reveal a dense,
deeply black ink
or a more transparent one, depending on the dilution time.
The preparation gesture is an integral part of the practice:
slowly rubbing the stick on the stone allows for the ink to be built,
its concentration adjusted,
and the rhythm of the work prepared before the first stroke.
Unlike pre-liquid inks,
the intensity is directly controlled during preparation.
A short dilution produces a drier, more defined black;
a long dilution allows for softer nuances,
suitable for washes,
gradients,
or pressure variations.
The hexagonal shape offers a stable grip
and slightly slows the movement,
promoting a more consistent ink preparation.
Features
Type: Sumi solid ink
Composition: fine soot and natural binder
Dimensions: 7.5 × 1.8 × 1 cm
Weight: 20 g
Use: calligraphy, sumi-e, ink drawing, washes
🤍 Ikane Workshop Tip
Start with very little water
and gradually extend the dilution.
The quality of the black depends as much on the preparation time as on the gesture itself.
