Sumi Ink Stick — traditional solid ink to dilute on a grinding stone.
Black ink stick used in calligraphy, sumi-e, and ink drawing.
Just a few drops of water are enough to gradually reveal a dense,
deeply black or more transparent ink, depending on the dilution time.
The preparation ritual is an integral part of the practice:
slowly rubbing the stick on the stone helps build the ink,
adjust its concentration, and prepare the rhythm of the work before the first stroke.
Unlike pre-liquid inks, the intensity is controlled directly during preparation.
A short dilution produces a drier, more defined black; a long dilution allows for softer nuances,
suitable for washes, gradients, or variations in pressure.
The hexagonal shape provides a stable grip
and slightly slows down the movement, promoting a more even ink preparation.
Related Guide: Preparing Solid Ink
To choose the stone, measure water, understand grinding, and adapt paper,
consult the Ikane guide dedicated to ink sticks, stones, papers, brushes, and washes.
Read the guide on ink sticks
Features
Type: Sumi solid ink
Composition: fine soot and natural binder
Dimensions: 7.5 × 1.8 × 1 cm
Weight: 20 g
Usage: calligraphy, sumi-e, ink drawing, washes
🤍 Ikane Studio 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.
