Yasutomo's sumi ink stick is made in the tradition of Asian artisans. Grind on a suzuri stone with water to create your own authentic sumi ink.
More than 3,000 years ago, Asian artisans discovered how to turn the residue from burnt wood to ink. For more than a thousand years, the method of making Sumi sticks has remained the same. Soot from oils mixed with glue is molded and dried to form a well-shaped solid block which, when ground on a Suzuri stone with water, turns into ink. It is unsurpassed for producing the famous Five Colors, or shades of black, that form the basic monochromatic Sumi painting. The subtlety of Sumi ink is evident in the variety of tones and values it produces.
Uses: Sumi-e, calligraphy
Size: 1" x 3 1/8" x 9/16"
Also available: Professional Quality Sumi Ink Stick (SSB900), $15.75