Pine Soot Ink Stick for Chinese Calligraphy and Painting

Introducing our Pine Soot Ink Stick for Chinese Calligraphy and Painting: a traditional inkstick made with utmost care and craftsmanship. With its rich black color and subtle cooler tone, it is designed to be used with an inkstone (sold separately) to create exquisite ink for your artistic endeavors.

Features:

• Size: 3 5/8" x 15/16" x 7/16"
• Color: Black (with a very subtle cooler tone)

Chinese inksticks have been cherished for their convenience and portability. Ground on an inkstone with water, they provide a reliable medium for calligraphy and painting. Our inkstick is formulated with pine soot, scents, and a binding agent. The pine soot, derived from burnt pinewood, imparts a deep black color that does not fade as readily as western ink when exposed to light. Even after centuries of display, ancient pictures and calligraphy created with this ink retain their resilience and vibrancy.

Known as Blue Ink, this type of pine soot ink stick is made by the renowned Hu Kai Wen brand. While it has a slightly less blue tint compared to bottled Japanese blue ink, it offers a thicker body as hand-ground ink. Here's a tip for you: you can use this ink stick to grind bottled ink on an inkstone to create a heavier paste. Instead of using pure water, you can pull some liquid ink from the bottle onto the inkstone and add a small amount of water, then grind it with the ink stick. This allows you to enjoy the quality of traditional ground ink while benefiting from the convenience of bottled ink. This ink stick is designed to last for a long time with moderate use.

Usage Instructions:

1. Prepare water in a ceramic container and sprinkle it onto the inkstone.
2. Use one end of the inkstone to grind the inkstick in a circular movement with a small amount of water.
3. Continue grinding until the ink becomes thick and dark. Avoid using half-ground ink.
4. If a gray tone is desired, add water to dilute the ink.
5. After use, wash out any leftover ink. Using overnight ink may result in inferior tones.
6. Immediately wipe off any moisture from the ink stick with a piece of rice paper or tissue, and allow it to air dry.
7. Store the ink stick in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and drafts. It comes with a storage box for added convenience.

Experience the timeless beauty and quality of our Pine Soot Ink Stick for Chinese Calligraphy and Painting. Unlock your artistic potential with this essential tool and embrace the tradition of ink and inkstone in your creative journey.