Sumi Ink

Inkstick

Inksticks or ink cakes are a type of solid Chinese ink used traditionally in several Chinese, Japanese, and East Asian art forms such as calligraphy and brush painting. Inksticks are made mainly of soot and animal glue, sometimes with incense or medicinal scents added. To make ink, the inkstick is ground against an inkstone with a small quantity of water to produce a dark liquid which is then applied with an ink brush. By adjusting the strength and duration of the ink grinding process, artists and calligraphers may adjust the concentration of the produced ink to suit their tastes.

Ink

Ink is a gel, sol, or solution that contains at least one colorant, such as a dye or pigment, and is used to color a surface to produce an image, text, or design. Ink is used for drawing or writing with a pen, brush, reed pen, or quill. Thicker inks, in paste form, are used extensively in letterpress and lithographic printing.

sumi

Noun

1. A Japanese inkstick.

ink

Noun

1. A pigment (or dye)-based fluid used for writing, printing etc.
2. A particular type, color or container of this fluid.

Verb

1. To apply ink to; to cover or smear with ink.
2. To sign (a contract or similar document).